DLECTRICITY, inspired by Nuit Blanche arts festivals from around the world, presented two major light-based art + technology festivals in 2012 and 2014. Produced by Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI), the spectacular outdoor visual light + art celebration took place along the Woodward Corridor. Attendees were immersed in a landscape of light through groundbreaking installations of video art, 3D video mapping, lasers, interactive design and engineering, and captivating performance.
In 2014, DLECTRICITY showcased over 40 internationally acclaimed, local, and emerging artists from around the world, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Detroit. Attendance doubled from its inaugural year – from 75,000 in 2012 to 150,000 in 2014. Participants in the Light Bike Parade also more than doubled and drew over 3,000 individuals in this 4-mile route.
DLECTRICITY was inspired by Detroit’s very own Electric Park, formerly located on the site of what is now Gabriel Richard Park. From 1906 until 1928, Detroit Electric Park served as a major attraction, beginning as a trolley park and later expanding into an dazzling amusement park with the development of electrification.
The DLECTRICITY 2017 Curatorial Committee
GEORGE N’NAMDI, COMMITTEE CHAIR – N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art
MICHELLE PERRON – Director, Office of Exhibitions & Public Programs, College for Creative Studies
MARC SCHWARTZ – Founder, Art Detroit Now
MARSHA MIRO – Founder, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)
ELYSIA BOWORY REEDER – Executive Director, MOCAD
LARRY BARANSKI – Director of Public Programs, Detroit Institute of Arts
J. FIONA RAGHEB – Curator, Designer, Writer
CHRISSTINA HAMILTON – Director of Visitor’s Programs, Stamps School of Art & Design
FRANK ARVAN – Principal, FX Architecture
The Curatorial Committee is charged with responsibility of selecting artists and projects to be placed on the facades, grounds, and surrounding buildings of the hub institutions in Midtown including:
Detroit Institute of Arts
Wayne State University
College for Creative Studies
MOCAD
C.H. Wright Museum of African American History
DLECTRICITY aspires to engage a broad and diverse audience, create a sense of community and be a place for stimulation and discussion about the impact of art on public spaces.
Lern more here.