New art gallery creates sense of belonging for Detroit’s Caribbean community

July 31, 2026

Dion Walcott, a Caribbean entrepreneur from Trinidad and Tobago, opened the Art and Belonging Martkt gallery in Detroit's Midtown last September to provide creative opportunities for Black and brown artists while showcasing Caribbean culture. The gallery, an extension of his creative agency Martk'd founded in 2013, has hosted numerous events including sneaker design competitions, speaker series, and art exhibitions that have launched careers for emerging artists. Detroit muralist Dior Leggette won a competition at the gallery that led to her shoe design being produced by Reebok, revitalizing her creative career after working retail jobs for a decade.

Who is affected

Dior Leggette (Detroit muralist and designer who won the Art of the Mix competition)
Dion Walcott (gallery owner and founder of Martk'd creative agency)
Tyrone Jack (emerging artist and GM digital sculptor whose work was featured)
10 local artists who participated in Art of the Mix competition
Artists Jamal Beasy, Jennifer Maples, and Zuri Dean (featured in Detroit-Toronto exhibition)
Black and brown artists in Detroit seeking creative opportunities
Caribbean community in Detroit
Immigrants and immigrant business owners in metro Detroit (10.7% of population, 18.4% of business owners)

What action is being taken

Walcott is operating Art and Belonging Martkt full-time after leaving his job at Pensole Lewis College
The gallery is hosting exhibitions, speaker series (Third Space Sessions), and artist competitions
Walcott is finding artists through open calls, social media, and word of mouth
Artists are renting the gallery for solo exhibitions with Walcott's support
Martk'd is coordinating events internationally in Trinidad and Tobago, Toronto, and Detroit
Leggette is designing clothes, accessories, and custom shoes for clients
Jack is pursuing painting full-time and working on commissioned pieces

Why it matters

This gallery matters because it provides accessible partnerships and career-launching opportunities for Black, brown, and Caribbean artists who are underrepresented in managerial and creative leadership roles despite being significant economic consumers. The space addresses a critical gap in Detroit's creative economy by giving emerging artists like Leggette and Jack platforms to showcase their work, make sales, build professional networks, and secure major partnerships with brands like Reebok and the Detroit Pistons. Additionally, the gallery elevates the often-invisible Caribbean community in Detroit while creating cultural bridges between Caribbean and Detroit communities through their shared values of music and resilience.

What's next

Leggette's shoe design will be released by Reebok in fall
Jack will appear in an exhibition next month
Walcott is planning a Caribbean-themed event in Detroit for September to coincide with Art and Belonging's one-year anniversary (currently in early planning stages)

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com