Detroit is opening nine new “Arts Alleys” over the next month in neighborhoods across the city as part of an initiative to transform alleyways into vibrant public spaces filled with community-focused art installations.
Led by the city’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (ACE), the project has commissioned 47 local artists to create murals, mosaics, sculptures, and other public art to revitalize neglected alleyways and turn them into gathering spaces that reflect the character and culture of the surrounding neighborhoods.
The city received more than 130 artist submissions after issuing an open call through SpaceLab Detroit, in partnership with the City Walls program and ACE. The final group of selected artists was chosen by residents and community stakeholders from the neighborhoods where the alleys are located.
The first alley to open was the North End Arts Alley (9400 Oakland Ave.), which debuted Saturday. Anchored by the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, the space blends agriculture and public art to create what city officials call an “agri-arts alley.” It includes four new murals, artist-designed arbors, extensive landscaping, and a decorative rose garden. Improvements also involved drainage repairs, new fencing that now serves as art canvases, electrical upgrades, and accessibility features such as signage in Braille.
The project also aims to build on the neighborhood’s existing artwork, which includes murals and sculptures.
The alley “combines agriculture and arts for a dynamic combination that speaks to our well-being and the city’s beauty,” Rochelle Riley, director of Arts and Culture for the city, said at the site Saturday.
“The North End Arts Alley is a vibrant destination where art, urban agriculture, and community engagement intersect,” Riley added. “Anchored by the farm, this space celebrates creativity, sustainability and hands-on learning.”
The total cost of improvements to the North End site was $515,000.
Other scheduled alley openings include:
Grand River Arts Alley (6559 Grand River Ave.): A celebration of African culture through the work of renowned artist Olayami Dabls. Opens Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m., with a program beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Burrell Trail Arts Alley (7601 Harper Ave.): Honors two brothers who participated in youth programs at Alkebu-Lan Village and died in a house fire. Opens Wednesday, June 19 at 6 p.m., with programming at 6:25 p.m.
Yellow Brick Road Arts Alley (14208 E. Jefferson Ave.): Focused on youth safety and education, featuring a community library and art projects. Opens Saturday, June 21 at noon, with programming at 12:15 p.m.
Bailey Park Arts Alley (2701 Elmwood St.): Part of the revitalization of the historic McDougall-Hunt neighborhood and a tribute to Black Bottom. Opens Sunday, June 22 at 12:30 p.m., with a program at 1 p.m.
Old Redford Arts Alley (17330 Lahser Rd.): Builds on the area’s existing Artists Village. Opens Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m., with a program at 11 a.m.
Bagley Arts Alley (2631 Bagley St.): Highlights the multicultural roots of Southwest Detroit. Opens Saturday, June 28 at noon, with programming at 12:15 p.m.
Snowden-Hartwell Arts Alley (17129 Snowden St.): Dubbed the “Dream Way,” it embraces environmental consciousness and complements a neighborhood-led effort to transform 17 alleys. Opens Saturday, June 28 at 1 p.m., with programming at 1:15 p.m.
Passage to Wellbeing Alley (14600 Korte St.): Anchored by the Manistique Community Treehouse, this alley promotes mental health, nature, and wellness. Opens Saturday, July 5 at 3 p.m., with a program beginning at 3:15 p.m.
Each Arts Alley is intended to reflect the culture of its surrounding community while offering space for connection, creativity, and celebration, Riley said.
