Detroit Evening Report: Giant ‘inspirational’ murals to be installed downtown ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
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Mural created by Paris-based artist Hopare at 165 Sprout Ave., Detroit.
The City of Detroit is partnering with the Downtown Detroit Partnership and a global nonprofit to create a massive collection of inspiring public murals throughout the downtown area ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit.
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The Detroit Fine Art Mural Exhibition is being curated and produced by Street Art for Mankind (SAM), a nonprofit organization, in October 2023 and April 2024. SAM travels the country transforming downtowns with inspiring murals spotlighting social and environmental issues. The art is designed to usher in the 2024 NFL draft but also be a lasting gift to Detroit residents who will receive thousands of visitors next spring, the city reported.
Artists from around the world began working on the “Be The Change” project in Detroit last week and are expected to complete their work by the NFL Draft next year.
The city is contributing $140,000 to the project.
“The City of Detroit is the first, and only, UNESCO City of Design in the United States. As such, we’re a part of a global network of cities that advance beauty and design to improve the lives of everyday citizens,” said Antoine Bryant, director of the city’s Planning and Development Department, in a statement. “We are excited to partner with Arts Culture and Entrepreneurship and the Downtown Detroit Partnership to deliver beauty for Detroiters, as well as for the thousands of visitors [to] our great city.”
Other headlines for Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023:
- Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield is hosting a community winter coat giveaway for children and young adults ages 18 and under at noon on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Tolan Playfield.
- Detroit residents who want to ice skate indoors can do so at the Jack Adams Ice Arena at the Adams-Butzel Complex on the west side, with open skating held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
- City residents can sign up for Detroit Alerts 365 for Detroit-specific emergency notifications through the CodeRED emergency notification system.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins are in town to face the Detroit Red Wings at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Little Caesars Arena.
- The Detroit Pistons are away tomorrow for preseason action in Oklahoma City at 8 p.m.
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