WE EXIST TO ADVANCE PUBLIC LIFE AND STRONG SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH THE LENS OF ARTS, CULTURE, COLLABORATIVE DESIGN AND DEEP ENGAGEMENT WITH RESIDENTS
We practice an inclusive approach to creative city and neighborhood building that combines vision of residents, strategy, and artistic ideation to create engaging spaces, programs and experiences that improve communities across metro-Detroit.
We seek to improve livability for residents through the promotion of spatial equity and strong social infrastructure. Our emphasis is on public art, cultural programming and deep engagement with community members. We facilitate processes in which residents are empowered to reclaim their spaces and envision their future.
Founded in 2012, Sidewalk practices an inclusive approach to creative neighborhood building that combines the vision of residents, strategy, and innovative artistic ideation to create engaging spaces that improve communities across the city. In addition to their work in Eliza Howell Park (EHP), which has served over 2,000 visitors to date, Sidewalk Detroit also produces the Sidewalk Festival, an outdoor celebration of performance and installation attracting 5-6,000 attendees annually. Since 2016 Sidewalk Detroit has been using deep community engagement, innovative arts programming, and park beautification upgrades as ways to re-activate and renew public engagement with EHP.
This project is part of a long-term vision to curate outdoor interventions specific to the Brightmoor community and to produce events that engage residents in artistic and recreational activities. ‘Stickwork’ furthers Sidewalk Detroit’s mission to improve livability for Detroit residents through the promotion and socially relevant public art and culture programming.
Throughout the 3-week installation volunteers, residents of the neighborhood, and the public are encouraged to stop by and watch or participate as the magic unfolds into a monumental environmental allure. Simultaneously, youth activity stations will activate the area with materials from the installation.
Join Sidewalk Detroit and Patrick Dougherty for an artist talk on Saturday, September 25th, at 3pm for the opening!
If you are interested in volunteering, sign up here. Volunteers will be assisting Patrick in harvesting sapling branches, stripping them of leaves, and in constructing the sculpture.
