This article is cross-posted from KnightArts.org. 

In Detroit, we’re seeing art and artistic performances pop up all around us.  Some of them have long been fixtures in the community and yet previously unrecognized outside of small circles.  Some of them are entirely new, attracted to a Detroit artistic scene and opportunity that is becoming nationally and internationally known.  Related Links

People’s Choice Award Detroit

“Community decides who wins $20,0000 in Knight Arts Challenge People’s Choice Award” — 8/1/14 press release.

At Knight Foundation, we strive to find innovative projects that engage and enrich Detroiters through the arts.  We recently announced 87 finalists for the 2014 Knight Arts Challenge.  While the finalists’ proposals are reviewed and winners are selected, we are taking an opportunity to shine the spotlight on five small arts organizations – an emerging drumline academy, two dramatically different dance efforts, a growing center for African culture and site-specific theater performers.

These five nominees for the 2014 Knight Arts Challenge People’s Choice Award are now eligible for a $20,000 award.  Knight Foundation holds the People’s Choice Award to give you – Detroiters and Detroit arts enthusiasts – the opportunity to engage in and support the growth of the arts in Detroit.   All you have to do is text for your favorite! 

The Knight Arts Challenge People’s Choice nominees are:

• A Host of People: a theater group celebrating the do-it-yourself movement in both food and the arts by creating a site-specific piece to be performed in community gardens around the city; (Text Detroit1 to 22333)

• Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum: a center for African culture that wants to renovate its facilities and create more exhibition and programming space; (Text Detroit2 to 22333)

• ARTLAB J: a troupe strengthening Detroit’s dance community by presenting Detroit Dance City Festival, a three-day celebration highlighting both local and national artists; (Text Detroit3 to 22333)

• Ballet Folklorico Moyocoyani Izel: a dance group that wants to bring the traditional dances of Mexico’s La Huasteca region to Detroit by teaching the choreography locally; (Text Detroit4 to 22333)

• Detroit Drumline Academy: a group of former drummers from Detroit-area schools that wants to prepare the next generation of percussionists by teaching and mentoring middle and high school students. (Text Detroit5 to 22333)

For the next four weeks, until Aug. 29,, these five finalists will use everything in their toolkit to get the public to vote for them by text.  Videos telling the story of these organizations can be viewed at knightarts.org/peopleschoice. There, you’ll see the extraordinary commitment of these artists and their unique vision for their work in Detroit. The People’s Choice winner can use the award on an artistic project of their choice. Imagine what they’ll be able to do with $20,000!

Find your favorite and vote – then look for the winner announcement on Oct. 6.