The Sea and the Sky, and You and I | Programmatic Partners

The MBAD African Bead Museum is a cultural hub in Detroit, celebrating the history and artistry of African beads. The museum houses Olayami Dabls’ extensive collection, showcasing the significance of African material culture and beadwork as symbols of spirituality, trade, and cultural expression.

MBAD offers a variety of workshops including a bead workshop, where participants learn the history and techniques of African beadwork, jewelry making, where guests can create unique jewelry pieces inspired by African art and design. Guided tours of the museum are also available and focus on the rich history and cultural significance of African beadwork and Olayami Dabl’s collection. Contact mbadmuseumgeneral@yahoo.com for more information and details.

The Remediation Forest is an innovative environmental installation by artist Jordan Weber, that explores the intersection of art, ecology, and social justice. The project transforms urban spaces into regenerative landscapes, addressing environmental disparities and promoting community healing through nature.

The park also showcases a powerful installation by Mind of Mila, an artist whose work seamlessly blends storytelling with activism. Mila’s Brown Skin Girl celebrates the beauty and diversity of women of color, challenging traditional beauty standards and amplifying underrepresented voices. Set amidst nature and artwork dedicated to uplifting communities of color, the installation serves as a poignant tribute to representation.

Phase 2 of the Remediation Forest will be unveiled, expanding its impact. Mind of Mila will contribute to a new mural which will highlight the rich history of East Canfield Village.  These artists’ work creates a broader dialogue on environmental justice and cultural restoration. For more information, please click here.

The Heidelberg Project is an internationally recognized public art installation founded by local artist, Dr Tyree Guyton, that has been thriving in Detroit’s McDougall Hunt neighborhood for 39 years. They are a catalyst for change, a platform for social justice and a cultural asset for Detroit.

The Heidelberg Project organization’s mission is to challenge the status quo, create a community for art, and cultivate a unique gathering space for all who seek inspiration outside museum walls. It is rooted in the theory of Heidelbergology: the study of artistic materials (from found objects to people) incorporated into the fabric and landscape of an urban community, and the effect within that community. It has three core concepts: Art is a Catalyst for Change, Art is Medicine, and Art is Abstract Advocacy.

The HP hosts artist residencies, tours and events throughout the year on its two block campus, and is open year round for visits from around the block, and around the world. For more information, please visit www.heidelberg.org or contact at info@heidelberg.org.

The Garage is an avante-garde cultural space + experimental design studio, located in Detroit’s North End neighborhood, led by afrofuturist griot and artist Bryce Detroit. Since 2014, the Garage has been celebrated locally and across the world as a center for afrofuturist art, architectural design, and music culture in Detroit. The cultural programming and activations curated at the space serve to create necessary opportunities for audiences to celebrate ancestrally-rooted identities, lifestyles and legacies- through futuristic music entertainment and interstellar architectural design.

The Garage hosts events annually, while supporting various collaborations with local artists, cultural producers, residents, and community organizations. Contact detroitrecordings@gmail.com for more information and details.

Detroit Recordings Company’s 2nd annual “Memoryal Sunday” ™ is a spectacular community + family celebration of Detroit’s Black history and ongoing relationship with techno music. This dynamic program, hosted by interstellar futurist artist/producer Bryce Detroit, represents a translocal exchange between Detroit DJ innovators Deon Jamar and Meftah, alongside Brooklyn’s, the heavy-hitting DJ duo- Public Service NYC (DJ Mickey Perez + Toribio), powered by KARLALA SOUNDSYSTEM!!

Featuring live music, design activations, vendors, food, and outdoor amenities for children. This event will take place in the street and involves city-authorized street closures.

Second Saturdays at the Heidelberg Project returns for the summer of 2025 with an exciting series of afternoon events on June 14, July 12, and August 9. The Second Saturdays program is a partnership between the Heidelberg Project and Spot Lite Detroit, a gallery, cafe, and gathering space just a few blocks from the HP art environment.

This year’s Second Saturdays will feature original puppet shows by Puppet Karaoke Detroit and Flying Cardboard Theater in June and August, and a special performance by Detroit jazz royalty, Joan Belgrave, on July 12. Each event also includes tours of the HP in partnership with City Institute and a chance to engage with fellow neighbors and visitors inspired by the Heidelberg Project.

Come to the Heidelberg Project between 2 and 5 pm for the activities and visit Spot Lite before and after for craft coffee, drinks, art, and more. For more info, check out @heidelbergproj on Instagram prior to each event.