Built by Detroiters, for Detroiters.
The mission of DETROIT SALON is to create access and a seat at the table in the global art world for Detroit’s talented and historically underrepresented artists, curators, art spaces, museums and galleries, and welcome the global art world to explore and engage Detroit's vibrant emerging art landscape.
DETROIT SALON will debut the city’s first major international contemporary art fair—a bold, city-wide celebration of culture, creativity, and community partnering with Detroit’s art spaces, museums and galleries.
Background
DETROIT SALON was conceived and executed through three years of intentional community engagement, with Detroit artists at the center.
Launching in September 2025, DETROIT SALON is set to spotlight Detroit as the next global arts destination. The initiative will amplify Detroit’s vibrant, diverse creative scene—boosting visibility, economic opportunity, and global access across Michigan.
Collaborating with the world’s most esteemed art partners: Art Basel, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair and The Financial Times, with a Detroit presence during the 2028 Venice Biennale, DETROIT SALON will launch with eight Detroit moments at global partner shows 2025-28.
Starting in 2026, DETROIT SALON will activate a series of intimate “salon-inspired” by-invitation art fairs and art weekends in Detroit leading up to the city-wide show and celebration in 2028. This will bring new international galleries, artists and voices to engage with the Detroit art community year round.
Defying the traditional white box paradigm, DETROIT SALON will take place in Detroit’s new and historic buildings, including our Art House headquarters in Detroit’s Paradise Valley neighborhood, and unexpected locations across Detroit’s art neighborhoods.
Emphasizing intimacy, conversation and connection, DETROIT SALON will activate a SALON Program of talks, VIP experiences and gatherings in unique art spaces, artist studios and in the homes of collectors, art leaders and cultural icons across Detroit.
In 2028, DETROIT SALON is slated to take place during Detroit’s Month of Design and alongside Detroit’s “Homecoming”—two celebrations drawing Detroit’s community home to Detroit.
The platform is powered by a coalition of Michigan and Detroit-based organizations— the State of Michigan, Visit Detroit, Salonnière, and CultureSource—in collaboration with statewide cultural partners and program partners.
DETROIT SALON is a call to creatives everywhere: come make, live, and thrive in Detroit.
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Sincere appreciation is extended to the DETROIT SALON Artist Advisory Committee, Curatorial Committee, Art Patrons Committee, Advisory Committee, Program Partners and Cultural Partners for championing this initiative and their steadfast commitment to its vision and growth.