City issues open call for artists to create installations for a Southwest Arts Alley

Space Lab Development, Inc. (SpaceLab Detroit) has issued an Open Call to Artists on behalf of The City of Detroit’s City Walls and Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (ACE) for the Bagley Arts Alley Murals. This project includes three murals. The goal is to celebrate local culture, foster community pride, and showcase the exceptional talents of both experienced and emerging artists.

The Bagley Arts Alley is part of a larger Arts Alley Initiative; a transformative project that envisions vibrant, safe, and inclusive community gathering spaces in the heart of Detroit’s neighborhoods.  As part of Mayor Duggan’s Blight to Beauty Initiative, this effort harnesses the power of art and design to address long-standing challenges amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic—challenges such as limited access to safe, green spaces, deteriorating infrastructure, and insufficient support for the creative workforce.

Through the Arts Alley Initiative and the Bagley Arts Alley project, artists, residents, and community leaders have collaborated to reimagine residential and commercial alleys, transforming them with innovative landscaping, stormwater management, and pedestrian-friendly amenities. Now, artists will create captivating public art in these spaces to reflect Detroit’s rich history, culture, and resilience, creating hubs of beauty and imagination while fostering pride and connection among neighbors.

By uniting local artists, residents, and the city’s creative resources, the Arts Alley Initiative is more than an investment in physical infrastructure—it is a celebration of Detroit’s spirit, an opportunity to amplify voices through art, and a catalyst for building stronger, more beautiful neighborhoods for all.

Alley Location and Theme

Bagley Arts Alley: 2631 Bagley Detroit, MI 48216

Running along the northeast side of the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center, the Bagley Arts Alley is planned as a community staple to host events and be a gathering space for all residents across District 6.  The art in the alley will reflect the diverse array of historic neighborhoods surrounding it, fusing the many worlds that comprise Southwest Detroit.  In addition, the artistic vision will complement the generous, fighting spirit of Roberto Clemente, the Puerto Rican Hall of Fame baseball star who was killed in the crash of a plane he had chartered to take emergency relief goods for the survivors of a massive earthquake in Nicaragua. Clemente's passion for community is captured in one of his quotes: “Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.”

Project Timeline

• Call Release Date: February 10, 2025
• Deadline for Questions: February 19, 2025. Send questions to [email protected]
• Proposal Submission Deadline: February 24, 2025
• Artists Notified: March 3, 2025
• Artist Agreements & Onboarding Documents Due: March 10, 2025
• Community Engagement Begins: March 17, 2025
• Mural Painting Begins: April 3, 2025
• Painting/Installation Completion Deadline: May 31, 2025

What We’re Looking For

We encourage submissions from:

• Experienced and emerging artists specializing in murals or public art installations.
• Individual artists and collaborative artist teams.
• Artists 18 years or older, available to work within the project timeline.
• Artists with a connection to Southwest Detroit or Michigan are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Bagley Alley Mural Project seeks art that:

• Reflects Southwest Detroit’s rich cultural, social, and historical narratives.
• Enhances the visual appeal of the neighborhood and strengthens community pride.
• Demonstrates innovation and is suitable for outdoor public spaces.

Artists interested in applying should send an Artist Packet to SpaceLab Detroit at [email protected], where details for submissions are available.

About Detroit ACE The Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) partners with organizations across the region to enhance and grow investment in fine and performing arts, culture and history with a special focus on artistic entrepreneurship and support for Detroit’s creative workforce. Follow ACE @detroitcityarts on  Twitter,  Instagram  and Facebook.