Application for Visual/Mixed Media Artists & Muralists

We are seeking Detroit metropolitan based visual artists and muralists to create public visual art installations, inspired by collective oral histories of the historic Vanity Ballroom, located in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood on Detroit’s east side. Four artists will create their installations simultaneously during the Jazzin’ at the Vanity jazz and blues festival, a two-day musical event June 29and 30, 2019. 

These art installations will preserve and celebrate the rich history of the Vanity Ballroom and Detroit residents who have experienced it, while adding to the artistic aesthetic of the historic Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood and its cultural heritage.

Preference is for Detroit metropolitan residents, though applications from nearby area muralists /visual artists are welcome.  

Concepts for art design will be based on oral histories collected, from past and present Detroit residents who participated in or attended events at the Vanity Ballroom, for the Neighborhoods: Where Detroit Lives” oralhistory collection - in partnership with the Detroit Historical Society.  

 Selected artists will be presented with a small collection of histories from which to choose, conceptualize and sketch their vision for design. These sketches will be presented to a voting committee comprised of JEI, local stakeholders and representatives from Detroit’s Arts Community .  

 All artists chosen must be available to work on their installation throughout the duration of the festival, Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, as this demonstration is part of the Jazzin’ at the Vanity experience.  

Stipend Available

Email completed applications to sunderwood@jeffersoneast.org by March 11, 2019.

Sabrina Underwood, JEI Marketing and Communications Manager

Phone: 313-261-9828