About Us

On November 14th, 1998 detroit contemporary opened in Detroit's Woodbridge neighborhood and operated in various forms at this location for sixteen years. Since 2021, detroit contemporary has been operating inside of a Victorian home in Midtown, Detroit. It is our vision to transform lives through arts & cultural education and our mission to do so by extending beyond the walls of a traditional gallery. 

At detroit contemporary we promote artistic & cultural advancement and aim to create positive social change by making the arts more accessible & inclusive to our community. We value artistic leadership and collaboration and partner with visual, performing, and literary artists to extend knowledge and skills to our members through immersive experiences such as exhibitions, live performances, artist residencies & representation, youth classes, and more.

Our Partnerships

detroit contemporary understands the power of collaboration and actively seeks opportunities to form meaningful partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to arts, culture, and community engagement. These strategic alliances not only amplify our impact but also foster shared resources, reduce operational costs, and enhance our overall organizational structure. Here are some of the key partnerships that contribute to our mission:

  • As a fiduciary sponsor of detroit contemporary, Chalfonte Foundation plays a pivotal role in providing spiritual, psychosocial, recreational, and educational support to children and their families in need. This partnership strengthens our organizational structure, ensuring that we remain focused on our core mission while benefiting from the Foundation's commitment to nurturing young minds and encouraging exploration and creativity.

  • Our partnership with CAID reinforces our dedication to the contemporary arts and their vital connection to society. CAID's support for exhibitions, performances, discourse, and funding of contemporary arts enhances our ability to engage with the cutting edge of artistic expression. This partnership enriches our cultural offerings and strengthens our commitment to fostering critical dialogues in the arts.

  • DBC is a dynamic media production and broadcasting company, aligning seamlessly with our mission to promote arts and culture. Through DBC, we gain a broader platform to showcase Detroit's vibrant arts scene to the world. Together, we build and operate a live 24-hour internet broadcast stream and offer on-demand video and audio content produced by our members, sponsors, partners, and affiliates. This partnership not only increases our visibility but also expands our reach in transmitting Detroit's artistic richness to a global audience.

  • DCC's purpose is to build and support a diverse and well-rounded community of members who are passionate about what Detroit is and what Detroit can be. Through inventive and provocative programs, they promote the work of their member artisans, artists, performers, and arts supporters. Collaborating with DCC amplifies our cultural exchange and provides additional avenues for promoting the work of emerging artists.

  • Our partnership with PuppetART is a celebration of cultural diversity and the art of storytelling through puppetry. By collaborating with PuppetART, we not only introduce our community to the beauty and wisdom of various traditions but also share professional development opportunities and resources. This partnership enhances our capacity to offer puppet performances, exhibits, and classes that enrich our cultural tapestry.