Long battered by business closings and abandonment, Detroit has also become a laboratory for artistic entrepreneurship. Some local musicians are hoping to take advantage of huge new tax breaks for recording artists and restore some of the city's faded Motown glory. Meanwhile, urban planners are hoping to replicate the "Bilboa Effect" - the idea that an investment in the arts can transform the fortunes of a city.
Today, a look at Detroit's cultural fortunes with Mark Stryker, the arts reporter and music critic of the Detroit Free Press; Andras Szanto, a cultural consultant with AEA Consulting; and Katherine Yung, a reporter with the Detroit Free Press.
Today, a look at Detroit's cultural fortunes with Mark Stryker, the arts reporter and music critic of the Detroit Free Press; Andras Szanto, a cultural consultant with AEA Consulting; and Katherine Yung, a reporter with the Detroit Free Press.
Comments [8]
Detroit has always been the epicenter for incredible music(Blues,Jazz,Rock and Roll,Motown and Hip Hop),but the rest of the world needs to realize this.
Check out my project about the Grande Ballroom and all the great talent that graced its stage.
LOUDER THAN LOVE-The Grande Ballroom Story
http://www.vimeo.com/7712066
@inquisigal: Just so happened this article ran this morning in the Metro Times about how some of our musicians make ends meet.
http://www.metrotimes.com/music/story.asp?id=14920
I'm a young creative living in Detroit, and I think this program missed the boat. John mentioned the birth of punk and hip hop in New York. Those movements sprang from a cultural/ social moment, not a tax break. The major cultural institutions in Detroit face the same challenges that state government faces- a glut of spending during high times and an out-of-date financial model. But the true artist/creative culture of the city is wildly vibrant. Every day we see more people moving here from New York, Chicago, San Franciso, and they're inspired by the creative potential available here.
The Heidelberg Project. The Russell Industrial Center. Theatre Bizarre. The Powerhouse Project. The Hastings Street Ballroom. Large-scale creative projects unimaginable in other urban areas. Detroit is a place where anything goes, and the creative community is growing to embrace these opportunities, and innovate new modes of expression and commerce to fit the space.
Urban farming is a prime example- it's not being proposed, it is! Neighborhoods where abandoned lots adjoining houses are filled with goats and chickens. The Catherine Ferguson Academy, a school with a full functioning farm, horses and all. But these innovations don't come from government policy- just a few visionary individuals courageous enough to try something new.
Unfortunately, in the major 'cultural centers' of our nation, the financial and regulatory challenges make that type of innovation nearly impossible.
As a veteran Detroit-area Jazz saxophonist, I do not feel that either the city itself or its suburbs are doing nearly enough to retain Detroit's legendary Jazz heritage or support its current Jazz musicians.
I discussed the creation of a Nashville-style live music district with former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer during a Detroit Lions game.
Mayor Archer told me that he proposed such an idea to Detroit's City Council during his Mayoral term, but that they rejected it.
The show mentioned a museum in Spain(?) showcasing a famous artists works (Guggenheim?), and how it was an example of The Arts driving economic development in the small town. This reminded me of a movie that I just had recommended to me.
The movie is "The Cool School: How LA Learned to Love Modern Art." (2008). It is a documentary of the Modern Art scene of early 1960s Los Angles. I guess it may not be entirely on point. I suppose it speaks more to how to successfully establish a new scene/gallery in an area, than how to make such a scene contribute to economic growth. But, I am passing it along as "of interest," regardless.
Even something as simple as historic markers in and around the City of Detroit that state where historic/noteworthy music/other Detroit events took place-- to both educate the people and create a sense of pride.
I want to know more about the urban farming that is being proposed for Detroit.
By the way a Hard Rock Cafe was located in Detroit about 7 years ago as a "place" to ignite development--so I am not sure I think the Bilbao example will necessary hold true there.
P.S. thanks for reading my first comment on-air
Hi John,
Can you ask your guest how people in the arts are making a living in Detroit? I've read countless articles of various creative types buying ultra-cheap homes in heavily foreclosed neighborhoods, and the picture painted seems encouraging, yet in reality - one has to wonder: how are these people paying their bills?
As a fine artist in NYC, even if my rent were cheaper, I'd still have to probably work 30 hours a week; are there jobs for creative people in Detroit? Are they telecommuting? Trust-fund types?
Detroit has so much to offer, but many college educated people have had to leave to find work.
I want to return to Detroit---I have a Masters of Urban Planning and Detroit needs planning/transportation help----but nothing is getting done!
The politics are ridiculous there is too much suburban metro Detroit vs. the City, and it has polarized the region. Too much us vs. them on the news.
Detroit's music history is amazing but for some reason people have not created enough museums/educational experiences for children/tourists.
I have so many ideas, but I am here in NYC b/c the creative class does not have a voice in Detroit.
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