COMMUNITY VOICES: Detroit Says ‘What Up Doe?’ to the Global Art World in Paris

November 13, 2025

Detroit made a significant impression at Art Basel Paris 2025 through the Detroit Salon initiative, which showcased over 20 local artists across three exhibitions at venues including the Palais de Tokyo. The presentations, curated by leaders from Cranbrook Art Museum and the Detroit Institute of Arts, highlighted Detroit's deep artistic heritage rooted in the 1960s Black Arts Movement while demonstrating its contemporary creative vitality. The programming extended beyond visual art to include musical performances featuring Detroit DJs and the Detroit Public Schools All-City Marching Band, offering international audiences a comprehensive experience of the city's cultural output.

Who is affected

Over 20 Detroit artists featured in the exhibitions
Tylonn Sawyer, Carole Harris, and Tiff Massey (artists whose work was acquired by the Founders Junior Council)
Detroit Institute of Arts' Founders Junior Council members
Detroit Institute of Arts' Friends of African and African American Art members
Omar Blaik (Detroit Salon co-leader)
Laura Mott (Chief Curator at Cranbrook Art Museum)
Greg Bryla (Program Manager at the DIA)
DJs Kesswa and SkyJetta
Detroit Public Schools Community Districts' All-City Marching Band
International art collectors, institutions, and audiences attending Art Basel Paris
Jenise Williams (author and FJC President)

What action is being taken

The Detroit Salon is showcasing Detroit artists across three exhibitions during Art Basel Paris 2025
Detroit musical talent is performing at events during the Paris programming
The Founders Junior Council is acquiring artwork from Black artists through their African American Art Endowment fund for the DIA's permanent collection

Why it matters

This represents a significant moment of international recognition for Detroit's artistic community, demonstrating that the city creates culture rather than merely consuming it. The showcase validates decades of building artistic momentum rooted in the Black Arts Movement and proves that intentional local investment in artists—particularly Black artists—creates meaningful impact that resonates globally. It challenges narratives about Detroit while representing communities that have been historically overlooked, positioning the city as a major player in the global art conversation rather than waiting for outside validation.

What's next

Continue acquiring work from Detroit artists through the Founders Junior Council
Maintain support for local galleries and exhibitions
Continue supporting cultural institutions in Detroit
Encourage community members to visit the DIA and join auxiliary groups like the Founders Junior Council or Friends of African and African American Art
Attend exhibitions at local museums including the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and Cranbrook Art Museum
Purchase work from Detroit artists and attend their shows

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle