I found this interesting community about cities like Detroit.

They are having an exciting one-day event (Downtown Cleveland, Levin College of Urban Affairs (Atrium) that will begin to transform the way we think of industrial cities. Community development professionals working in “Rust Belt” cities will meet to discuss how we can re-position our region as an ideal environment for artists.

First up is From Rust Belt to Artist Belt. On Wednesday, May 14, CPAC will convene community development professionals working in “Rust Belt” cities about the unique challenges and opportunities that such communities face in conducting artist-oriented community development. Participants will hear from national leaders in the field and will begin to talk about what a regional agenda for moving such initiatives forward might look like.

This past weekend I was talking with some former Detroit artists that have recently moved to New York. During our conversation I asked if he liked New York I was surprised when he said “no, I miss having free space to work with.” Being an Artist in Detroit allows you work and live very cheaply. Artists here don’t let obstacles get in there way. The art community is supportive of new ideas in alternative spaces. There is a “grittiness” that you get when you live and work here. It hard to explain.

While you are waiting for me to write someting- take a quick look at some time lapse video I took at my last opening at the Pioneer Building.

sioux
(You will need flash to view the movie - you can get it here)

[See post to watch Flash video]

[See post to watch Flash video]
[this video courtesy of joseph ferraro]