Join us in celebrating 15 years of We the People of Detroit, Thursday, October 19th at Spot Lite Detroit! Doors open at 4:30 pm.
Throughout history, art has been at the center of all social change. Just as we need water to survive, we need art to thrive. Since the founding of WPD, we have utilized art to speak our truth. Over the years, this has come in many forms, including paintings, photography, music, & spoken word poetry. Join us for a night of joy through art and community.
At this event, we will kick off the celebration of our 15th anniversary as an organization and honor the role that art has played in advancing social change in the city of Detroit and beyond. This event will serve as a platform to actively involve and fellowship with community members, local artists, change agents, and advocates.
Prior to the event, we are hosting a t-shirt/merch contest in which we are encouraging local artists to submit their designs for a chance to have their merchandise sold at this event.
Additionally, we are holding an open art call. At the event, we will display works from various artists that work with different mediums, such as music, poetry, painting, ceramics, and more. There will be an opportunity for musical and spoken word artists to perform live. Within the gallery, a subsection will highlight art created by the interns enrolled in our Youth Program.
Further, the event will include a panel discussion in which local artists discuss how they speak their truth through art and reflect on their dual roles as artists and advocates. Following the panel, we will allow time for guests to appreciate the visual art galleries and network with fellow community members.
This is a 12+ event. We are asking attendees for an optional $10 donation upon admittance. Spot Lite Detroit is located at 2905 Beaufait St #4, Detroit, MI 48207. For any questions related to the event, please send us a DM on Instagram (@wethepeople_det) or an email at communications@wethepeopleofdetroit.com. We can’t wait to celebrate with you 10/19!
Please see Merch Contest and Gallery Submission Guidelines below:
Merch Contest Guidelines:
To enter the merch contest, submit your designs by Monday, October 2, 2023. You can submit your designs by tweeting at us (@WeThePeopleDet) , direct messaging on IG (@wethepeople_det), FB messaging (We the People of Detroit), or emailing us at communications@wethepeopleofdetroit.com. WPD followers will select winning designs through social media polling. By submitting your design you agree to the contest rules and regulations. Winning artists will be notified by Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Contest Rules-
Original designs only.
One submission per person
Designs must include the We the People of Detroit logo and the phrase “Art is Revolution.” Artists are encouraged, but not required, to incorporate water into their pieces to pay homage to WPD’s water justice roots.
Artists must be older than 12 years old to enter. If the artist is under 18 years old, they must verify they have the permission of a parent or legal guardian.
Designs must be submitted by Monday, October 2, 2023.
Artists agree to have their submissions go through a public polling process. Their designs will be posted and voted on at We the People of Detroit’s social media channels.
The merch contest team has the right to make nominal adjustments to the winning design.
Designs with offensive language or nudity will be disqualified.
Gallery Submission Guidelines: Submissions should follow the theme, “Art is Revolution”. Artists are encouraged, but not required, to incorporate water into their pieces to pay homage to WPD’s water justice roots. One submission will be accepted per person. Categories include music, spoken word, and visual art. Visual art encompasses multiple mediums, including, but not limited to, photography, painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Ages 12+ are encouraged to submit original art. Artists under 18 years old will be asked to verify they have been given participation permission from their parent or guardian. We ask artists to refrain from using offensive language or incorporating nudity into their pieces. Spoken word and musical pieces must be under 4 minutes.
Musicians and spoken word artists are expected to perform live, and visual artists are expected to display their art in person at Spot Lite Detroit on 10/19/23.
Submissions must be submitted on the form here. Submissions outside of this form will not be accepted.
Artists selected for the gallery will be notified by 10/12/23. Please DM us on IG @wethepeople_det or email us at communications@wethepeopleofdetroit.com with any questions. Good luck! Open Art Call Rules-
Original artwork only.
One submission per person.
Art must follow the theme “Art is Revolution.”
Pieces must fall under one of the following categories:
Music, Spoken Word, or Visual Art
Music and Spoken Word Pieces must be under 4 minutes long.
Winners agree to have their art displayed at our “Art is Revolution” event at Spotlite Detroit on Thursday, October 19th, 2023. Spoken Word and Musical Artists will be expected to perform their piece live.
Must be older than 12 years old to enter. If the artist is under 18 years old, they must verify they have the permission of a parent or legal guardian.
Art must be submitted by Monday, October 9th.
We ask artists to refrain from using offensive language or nudity in their pieces.