By Briana Michell, Program Communications Officer
For the third consecutive year, the Inclusive Arts Fund celebrated Detroit’s Month of Design with Inclusion by Design, held on September 17, at the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art. The evening featured a dynamic panel with Abel Gonzalez (MOCAD), Paulina Petkoski (PLAYGROUND DETROIT) and John Sloan III (GhostLight Arts Initiative), who shared their insights on how creative practices are shaping Detroit’s future. Alongside the discussion, guests enjoyed a powerful spoken word performance by Jassmine Parks from InsideOut Literary Arts, a live DJ and light bites creating an atmosphere that celebrated the energy and vibrancy of Detroit’s art community.
The conversation centered on the vital role of arts and culture in building thriving cities and neighborhoods, ultimately impacting the city’s economy. Panelists reflected on how creativity fosters connection, identity and opportunity while acknowledging Detroit’s ongoing challenges, including the lack of infrastructure to support artists and organizations for long-term success. Yet, the discussion emphasized that these gaps present opportunities for deeper investment. Over the past decade, Detroit’s grassroots arts ecosystem has continued to attract artists and audiences, cultivating a dynamic and evolving landscape that remains one of the city’s most powerful assets.
“Artists are at the heart of Detroit’s growth and resilience — they are not only storytellers and visionaries, but also drivers of innovation and community connection. For Detroit to truly thrive, we must ensure they have an ecosystem that supports their work and sustains their impact,” said Leah Counts, program officer of arts and environmental initiatives at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
The evening also underscored the Inclusive Arts Fund’s ongoing commitment to supporting small and midsize arts organizations in southeast Michigan and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue. By fostering conversations like this one, the Fund aims to uplift the voices of artists and nonprofit leaders while ensuring Detroit’s arts ecosystem has the support it needs to grow sustainably. This event was both a celebration of what Detroit’s creative community has already built and a call to continue investing in the power of art to shape a more vibrant future.
