Murals in the Market – Detroit’s Newest Murals in a Historic Setting
MURALS IN THE MARKET – The music hub Detroit is known for a broad range of things, but now, all it is also known as the creative city. Local publisher of fine arts 1xRun teamed up with Detroit’s Inner State Gallery, the Eastern Market Corporation and the Knight Foundation to organize an amazing 9-day event titled Murals in the Market, which is focused on public art. The historic Eastern Market in Detroit becomes host to more than 50 world-class local and international artists, who create a wealth of artworks throughout the district. During the festival, dozens of intertwining events will take place featuring installations, live music, children’s’ workshops, artists’ talks, community events and of course many art exhibitions. Even the formats of these exhibitions and talks are totally unique: a sampling of the events includes a Drink & Doodle get together hosted by Atlanta-based artist Greg Mike, a larger-than-life installation at Sheryo and the Yok’s Ping-Pong Auto Shack, a barbershop talk with Cey Adams + Kevin Lyons whilst getting groomed, and Detroit’s infamous Slow Roll Bike Tour, just to name a few.
Katy Locker, program director for Detroit of the Knight Foundation sums the goal up nicely: “The festival is a great way to showcase Detroit’s creative spirit, while bringing more life to Eastern Market and encouraging people to connect with their city and each other.“ We know for a fact how right she is, because we get to see the powerful effect urban art has on community spirit, and how it generates an eagerness to identify with ones hometown. Art brings people of all different backgrounds together, which is exactly why Murals in the Market has been so successful in the past two years. Detroit’s diversity fuels not only its creativity, but also it’s yearning for mural art. The 1xRun Team has curated more than 100 Large-scale murals throughout the City of Detroit. For last year’s festival, they put together an incredible roster of more than 50 artists including world renowned artists such as Filipe Pantone, 1010, Cey Adams, Mr. Jago, Slick and so many more.
Also, props to videographer Selina Miles for her great job on capturing all the special moments of this event. The Brisbane-based film director and self-proclaimed nomad is known for her documentations on street art and graffiti, and she has also has made commercials for huge brands. All together this event has given Detroit some much needed fresh spirit and fostered forward momentum in community spirit and in the acknowledgement of urban art. We’re pleased to be involved as a sponsor and proud of the festival’s development. Of course, we’re also really looking forward to this year’s edition. Follow Murals in the Market also on facebook or instagram!