Introduction

The city of Detroit's Department of Public Works (DPW) and Planning and Development Department (PDD), are developing a public art program that focuses on strengthening the urban character and identity of Detroit's neighborhood commercial corridors. The purpose of the program is to ensure that Detroit community and neighborhood history and culture, are reflected in the new streetscapes and neighborhood corridor improvements currently underway in the streetscape improvement/road bond program.  DPW will partner with Design Core Detroit, who will serve as fiduciary for the grant.

The primary focus of the Streetscape Initiative is to rethink what commercial streets have looked like in Detroit over the past 50 years, to revitalize street life through retail attraction, and to improve multi-modal access to the neighborhoods through Complete Street design.  DPW, PDD, and Design Core have identified the following three demonstration projects for short-term implementation: (1) 12th Street – Rosa Parks, (2) Riopelle, and (3) Bagley.

Application deadline has been extended to March 27 at 11:59pm.  You can access the RFP here. 

Evaluation Committee and Criteria

The DPW, PDD, and Design Core Detroit will deliberate on each artist’s proposal based on the criteria listed below.   The highest score would be considered the winning proposal for the project.

Evaluation Committee:

• Planning and Development Staff(Architect or Urban Designer/Planner)
• Rochelle Riley (Arts, Culture, Entrepreneurship)
• Chisara Brown (Complete Streets)
• Community Member (Streetscape Project Area)
• Cydney Camp (Design Core Detroit)

The Department of Public Works and Planning and Development Department are committed to reflecting the rich culture of Detroit, by selecting artists who can and will exhibit this in their artwork.

Learn more and apply here.