Event held in conjunction with nationally renowned BLKOUT Walls Festival
Registration now open; public is invited
In a dazzling celebration of creativity and urban artistry, two of America’s most vibrant cities, Detroit and Philadelphia, are joining forces to host the eagerly anticipated National Street Art Summit. This groundbreaking event, set to take place at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 8, promises to unite art leaders from the Top Ten Cities in America with beautiful street art. It will serve as a platform for discussing the explosive growth of mural art across the nation, fostering intercity collaboration, and creating a thriving ecosystem for artists.
Detroit and Philadelphia have been hailed by USA Today and a panel of esteemed judges as being among the Top Ten Cities in America with the most captivating street art. Philadelphia proudly holds the crown as the No. 1 city, while Detroit proudly stands at No. 5 on the prestigious 2023 list. These cities are not merely embracing mural art; they are passionately celebrating it as a transformative force that elevates the urban experience.
The National Street Art Summit, hosted in partnership with the renowned BLKOUT Walls mural festival, will feature a gathering of minds and talents dedicated to pushing the boundaries of mural artistry. This landmark event is your opportunity to dive into the world of street art, learn from experts, and join the movement to make cities more beautiful and vibrant.
Special Guest: Sydney James, Co-founder of BLKOUT Walls
One of the highlights of the summit is the appearance of Sydney James, the eminent muralist and co-founder of BLKOUT Walls. Her visionary work, alongside fellow artists Thomas “Detour” Evans of Denver and Max Sansing of Chicago, led to the inception of BLKOUT Walls in 2021. This national festival was born out of their shared experiences of participating in mural festivals with limited compensation for artists and a lack of racial diversity.
As the pulse of urban artistry quickens, the summit will provide a unique opportunity to engage with the creative minds behind BLKOUT Walls and delve into the narrative of their impactful journey. Be inspired by their passion, their commitment to equity in the arts, and their dedication to reshaping the cultural landscape.
The Venue: Wayne County Community College District’s Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus
This extraordinary event will take place at the Wayne County Community College District’s Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus, located at 1001 West Fort Street. This partnership is further underscored by the college’s commitment to nurturing emerging artists. In collaboration with the summit, Wayne County Community College District will host an entrepreneurial workshop tailored for students and up-and-coming artists, providing invaluable insights and guidance.
Explore Detroit’s Street Art: Mural Tour
The excitement doesn’t end with the summit! Guests from the Top Ten Cities will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Detroit’s rich street art scene by taking part in a mural tour the day after the summit. This immersive experience promises to reveal the heart and soul of Detroit’s flourishing mural movement.
Registration: Join the Conversation
Registration for this groundbreaking event is now open, and the public is invited to participate. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative conversation about the role of street art in our cities. Register now at the National Street Art Summit website.
As Rochelle Riley, Detroit’s Director of Arts and Culture, aptly states, “Murals, as an art form, are not just being accepted, but are being celebrated in America. We are thrilled to partner with Mural Arts Philadelphia to continue to make the creative arts a part of any conversation about what is making cities better and more beautiful.”
Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the power of public art to transform urban spaces and drive social change. “Together, we’re pushing forward the conversation on mural art and its potential to beautify, inspire, and empower communities,” Golden states passionately.
In a world that can often feel divided, the National Street Art Summit is a testament to the unifying force of art and the creative energy that thrives within our cities. Join the movement and be part of this groundbreaking dialogue that will shape the future of street art across America.
Let’s come together, Detroit and Philadelphia, to celebrate the artistic spirit that knows no bounds, igniting creativity in every corner of our urban landscapes. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly extraordinary.
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