The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, known for its efforts in bolstering communities and promoting a thriving democracy, is proud to announce its latest endeavor, the Knight New Work initiative, to revolutionize Detroit’s art scene. This groundbreaking program calls upon local artists and organizations to unleash their creativity and incorporate technology into their artistic endeavors. With a total budget of $250,000 allocated for the winners, the Knight Foundation is poised to impact the Detroit arts community significantly.
The Knight New Work initiative application period begins on June 20, 2023, and will remain open until July 21, 2023. During this time, Detroit-based artists, artist collectives, and arts organizations spanning various artistic genres are invited to submit their proposals. A national panel consisting of esteemed artists, practitioners, and Knight Foundation staff will meticulously review each application.
To provide further insight into the initiative, the Knight Foundation will host an information session on June 20 at 9 a.m. The session will take place at the Michigan Central Book Depository Building located at 2050 15th St. This event presents an excellent opportunity for local artists and organizations to delve deeper into the Knight New Work initiative and comprehensively understand its objectives.
Winners of the Knight New Work initiative will be announced in the fall of 2023, creating an atmosphere of eager anticipation within the artistic community. The Knight Foundation seeks to fund projects that leverage technology to transform how art is created, disseminated, and experienced. Whether through interactive performances or immersive installations, the foundation is particularly interested in investing in projects that genuinely reflect the spirit of the Detroit metro area while pushing the boundaries of art through the utilization of technology.
Victoria J. Rogers, the Vice President of Arts at the Knight Foundation, commented on the initiative, stating, “Digital transformation has become the language artists use to challenge the status quo, experiment, and reach new audiences. For artists and art organizations, it’s the next frontier. That’s why we launched Knight New Work. When we invest in music and museums, in poetry and performances, we are investing in the fiber that strengthens our communities.”
Jennifer Farah, the Director of Arts at the Knight Foundation, further emphasized the importance of technology in the arts, saying, “Technology provides an expanded pallet of tools for artists and organizations to inform and engage the community. Developing an arts ecosystem tailored to and within the community leads to long-term and sustainable practice. We believe that a sustainable model for funding invests both in long-standing institutions and emerging organizations and artists.”
The Knight Foundation’s commitment to fostering the arts in Detroit is unwavering. Earlier this year, the foundation made a remarkable $23 million investment in the city’s digital future within the arts sector. This significant contribution brings the Knight Foundation’s total commitment to Detroit’s arts sector to over $50 million since 2005, underscoring their longstanding dedication to supporting the vibrant arts community of this remarkable city.
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