The Metro: Detroit’s City Walls program supporting next generation of muralists
The city of Detroit has selected the latest batch of creatives joining the Detroit Artists Apprentice Program.
Artist and mentor Ijania Cortez (second from left) poses with DAAP mentees Kay Abernathy (from left), Jess Fendo and Rare Bandy.
No matter how you look at it, the beautification of Detroit’s alleyways and building walls have helped change the perspective for visitors.
But for native Detroiters, seeing walls adorned with art isn’t new, it’s just newly embraced. And the city aims to continue to embrace that artistry.
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The city of Detroit’s City Walls program in collaboration with Space Lab Detroit have selected 18 emerging artists to partake in its Detroit Artists Apprentice Program. The inaugural program will connect the 18 creatives with six experienced artists. The goal is to nourish and grow Detroit’s arts community. Mentors and mentees will work together through the year to create public works of art.
Head of the city’s Blight Remediation Department Zak Meers and artist and mentor Ijenia Cortez joined The Metro to talk about the new program.
Cortez was a mentee of artist Sydney G. James and she’s now a mentor in the program.
“So I think it’s important also to let people know that no matter where your neighborhood is and what the history of your neighborhood, you’re important in your neighborhood and beautifying this neighborhood is important,” Cortez said. “You know, this space is important, and you should be able to see yourself here. So that’s what I try to do with murals.”
Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.
More headlines from The Metro on Jan. 8, 2024:
- Photographer Johnny Miller’s project “Unequal Scenes” uses drones to capture aerial shots of cities worldwide. The images are bird’s eye views of urban areas. And from these vantage points, the unequal distribution of wealth becomes painfully clear. Miller joined The Metro to discuss the inspiration behind his work.
- Detroit’s new Department of Transportation Director Robert Cramer joined the show to discuss how he hopes to improve the transit service.
- Wayne State University Professor of Oncology Dr. Mohammed Najeeb Al Hallak joined the show to talk about the U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory about the link between cancer and alcohol use.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
