Written by 
Art Inventory
(25) Murals across multiple Alleys
(2) Special Art Installation Projects
- City of Detroit: Transforming Neighborhood Alleys with Art
- Deadline to apply: Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM
- Virtual Q & A session January 28, 2025 10 – 11am. Register for Zoom meeting invitation here
Download the complete Artist Packet below
Project Overview
Space Lab Development, Inc. (SpaceLab Detroit) is excited to issue an Open Call to Artists on behalf of The City of Detroit’s City Walls and Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (ACE) divisions for the Arts Alley Initiative, a groundbreaking program to transform neighborhood alleys into vibrant spaces through murals and art installations. This project aims to celebrate local culture, foster community pride, and showcase the exceptional talents of both experienced and emerging artists.
Vision Statement
The Arts Alley Initiative is 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, 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.
Updated Project Timeline
Due to the overwhelming response from both local and international artists to the Arts Alley Call to Artists, we have adjusted the Project Timeline to give all stakeholders adequate time to review artist proposals and provide feedback on artist selection. All applicants will now be notified of selection decisions by Friday, February 28, 2025.
- Call Release Date: January 14, 2025
- Virtual Q & A session January 28, 2025 10 – 11am. Register for the Zoom meeting link here.
- Deadline for Questions: January 31, 2025. Send questions to info@spacelabdetroit.com See Q&A below.
- Proposal Submission Deadline: February 7, 2025
- Artists Notified: February 28, 2025
- Artist Agreements & Onboarding Documents Due: March 7, 2025
- Community Engagement Begins: March 17, 2025
- Mural Painting Begins: April 3, 2025
- Painting/Installation Completion Deadline: May 31, 2025
* Project Timeline subject to change
Download the complete Artist Packet here
Download the Q&A document here
