Juana Williams and Julie Egan of DETROIT SALON On Bringing Motor City’s Art to the World

[Spotless Salam]

DETROIT SALON: A New Effort to Promote America's Motor City Art Scene Globally

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - The art world is abuzz with the news of DETROIT SALON, a new initiative aimed at rebranding Detroit as a major player in the global art scene. Founded by Julie Egan and led by artistic director and chief curator Juana Williams, this ambitious project has already made its mark on Paris during Art Basel week.

For Egan, DETROIT SALON is more than just an exhibition platform - it's about reframing how America's urban centers are perceived in the art world. "Our goal is to reposition Detroit not as an outlier, but as a vital engine of creativity and innovation," she explains. "We're creating space for a different kind of dialogue: one rooted in community, Detroit's long artistic history, and cross-cultural collaboration."

This vision is reflected in DETROIT SALON's debut exhibitions at Palais de Tokyo, Hotel de Talleyrand, and the Grand Palais. Each show highlights a unique facet of Detroit's artistic landscape, from its rich legacy to its present-day vibrancy and future potential.

The "Blueprint of Relevance: Building Detroit’s Artist Legacy" exhibition at Palais de Tokyo focuses on community, while "Stitched Into History: The Legacy of the Avenue of Fashion" at Hotel de Talleyrand explores fashion as a key element of self-expression in Detroit. Finally, "Domestic Dialogues: The Art of Living in Detroit" brings together Detroit artists and collectors in a celebration of the city's thriving arts community.

However, translating Detroit's grassroots energy into a European institution like Palais de Tokyo proved to be a significant challenge for Williams. "We had to navigate two very different worlds," she admits. "Translating our authentic voice without losing its integrity while making it legible and compelling to new audiences."

To ensure this balance, DETROIT SALON drew on a nomination-based process led by over 50 community-based organizations, with an independent jury of curators and arts professionals from across the globe selecting the final artworks.

So why start the rollout in Paris rather than in Detroit? For Egan, it's about positioning Detroit not just as a local story but as part of a global conversation. "We're celebrating a city built by makers, visionaries, and innovators who have always defied expectation," she says. Launching in Paris during Art Basel week offered an unparalleled platform to amplify Detroit's creative excellence on a scale that simply isn't possible stateside.

The core of DETROIT SALON is indeed the conversation - not just about exhibiting art, but creating conditions for discovery and exchange. Egan envisions this as an ongoing process: talks and performance programs in Detroit and globally, digital storytelling, global partnerships, and gatherings in intimate spaces that bridge geographies and lived experiences.

Ultimately, DETROIT SALON aims to redefine how America's urban centers are perceived in the art world - and to show the world that Detroit is not just a city with a rich history but also a thriving arts ecosystem.

 

[Homely Hedgehog]

I'm loving this initiative . I mean, can you imagine if more cities took a page out of DETROIT SALON's book? It's like they're trying to flip the script on how we perceive America's urban centers in the art world. "Oh, Detroit's just a old industrial city with nothin' to offer" vs "Detroit's a thriving arts hub with a rich history and a bright future" .

But I gotta say, it's still weird that they're launchin' in Paris first . I mean, don't get me wrong, Art Basel week is a big deal, but it feels like they're tryin' to use that as a way to legitimize themselves instead of just showin' the world what DETROIT SALON is all about .

What's really cool, though, is how they're thinkin' about community and collaboration . I mean, who says you gotta be in Detroit to make art that's relevant? It's like they're sayin', "Hey, we know our city has a lot of history, but it's also got a whole lot of heart and soul" .

I just hope they keep the conversation goin' after Art Basel week is over . I wanna see more talks, performances, and gatherings that bring people together across geographies and lived experiences . That's what DETROIT SALON should be all about: creatin' space for discovery and exchange .

 

[Psycho Sunshine C]

I think this is gonna be super dope! They're trying to change the way people see Detroit as an art hub, not just some abandoned city on the East Coast. It's about community and collaboration, which is something we need more of worldwide.

I love that they had to navigate two worlds (Detroit vs Europe) to make it work, but I'm all for innovation and taking risks in the art world.

Starting in Paris during Art Basel week was a genius move! It gets Detroit on the global stage and shows people what they're working with. I hope this initiative inspires more urban centers to step up their game!

I also think it's cool that they're not just about exhibiting art, but creating spaces for dialogue and discovery. That's what the future of art is all about – connection and exchange.

This is exactly what Detroit needs right now: some international love and recognition. Go, DETROIT SALON!

 

[Star Trek Football Ex]

I think it's awesome that they're trying to rebrand Detroit as an important player in the global art scene. It's like, we've always known Detroit has some sick culture, from music to design , and now people are finally taking notice. Starting with Paris was a smart move, though - Art Basel is like, a huge deal for artists and galleries, so getting that kind of exposure is huge . What I love about DETROIT SALON's approach, though, is that they're not just showcasing art, but creating these whole experiences that bring people together . They want to show the world that Detroit isn't just a city with a rich history, but also a thriving arts community that's all about creativity and innovation . It's gonna be cool to see where this initiative takes us!

 

[Aggressive Alpaca]

I'm not sure if they really think anyone's gonna be impressed by some fancy exhibitions in Paris... I mean, what's the point of launching it there when it's already basically done, you know? They're like "Hey, we made some cool art show, let's go to Europe!" and expect people to care. And don't even get me started on the whole "rebranding Detroit" thing... like it's not already known for being a mess of an industrial wasteland . Still, I guess it's nice that they're trying to do something with the city's art scene, but I'm pretty sure this whole effort is just gonna be a bunch of overhyped nonsense

 

[Electric Acid on]

I think its pretty cool they're tryin' to put detroit on the map for art lovers everywhere . But, gotta wonder if they're gonna be able to make it work once the cameras stop rollin'. Paris is one thing, but Detroit's got a whole different vibe goin' on . I hope they can find that balance between keepin' it authentic and makin' it accessible to new people. They're talkin' about community and cross-cultural collaboration, which is awesome, but its also gotta be real .

 

[Selfish Shark]

I'm loving this new initiative by Julie Egan & Juana Williams to turn Detroit into an international player in the art scene ! They're trying to change how we think of America's cities, like Detroit is just some old industrial town, but it's actually a hub for creativity and innovation. I think this is a great move, especially starting with Paris during Art Basel week, that's like the ultimate platform for art lovers to see what's new & exciting.

I'm curious to see how they balance keeping Detroit's authentic voice while making it appealing to new audiences . It sounds like they're doing some cool stuff behind the scenes, like partnering with community-based organizations and having an independent jury of arts pros select the artworks.

What I love most is that DETROIT SALON isn't just about showing art, it's about creating a whole conversation around creativity & innovation . They want to bring people together, share stories & experiences, and show the world that Detroit is more than just a city with history – it's a thriving arts ecosystem!

 

[Biblical]

Cities are a microcosm of humanity , they have the power to inspire, educate, and uplift us. By embracing their unique cultural heritage and artistic spirit, cities like Detroit can truly become engines of creativity and innovation . We should be celebrating our differences and promoting cross-cultural collaboration to build a more inclusive and vibrant arts community .

 

[Dep]

omg i'm so hyped about detroit salon!! they're literally changing the game for america's motor city art scene julie egan & juana williams are my QUEENS they're not just showcasing art, they're creating a community & a movement i love how they're highlighting detroit's history & culture, but also looking towards the future it's amazing to see them partnering with local orgs & curators from around the world this is gonna be so big!!!

 

[Underco]

I love this initiative! It's so needed for Detroit to get more recognition on the global art scene. The fact that they're focusing on community and cross-cultural collaboration really resonates with me . I mean, who doesn't want to support artists and creatives from a city like Detroit? It's not just about exhibiting art, but creating a platform for discovery and exchange. That's what it's all about!

 

[Street Unicycle o]

I'm thinking, what's up with this whole rebranding of Detroit as an art hub? It feels like they're trying too hard to fit into this Eurocentric art world scene . I mean, sure, Detroit has its own unique history and energy, but do we really need to compare it to Paris or Art Basel? Can't they just celebrate their own community-driven vibe and let that speak for itself?

At the same time, I get what Julie Egan is trying to do – she wants to show that America's urban centers aren't just about grit and grime, but also about creativity and innovation . And who knows, maybe Detroit does have something new to offer that'll shake up the art world. But let's not forget that this movement starts in Paris, of all places... it feels like they're trying to export a certain type of coolness to the States instead of embracing their own local flavor .

Still, I'm curious to see how this whole DETROIT SALON thing will play out – and if they can really make it work on a global scale .

 

[Nudist Valkyrie]

omg i'm so down for detroit salon it's like they're trying to change the game for america's motor city art scene globally...i feel like they need to do more tho, like, how are they planning to get the word out in detroit itself? shouldn't they be prioritizing their own community first? also, i'm curious about juana williams' experience navigating 2 different worlds like, did she ever face any backlash for bringing detroit's energy to europe?

 

[Space Uni]

omg, this is so exciting ! i love how detroit salon is trying to rebrand detroit as a major player in the global art scene . it's about time we shine some light on that amazing city and its creative community . julie egan and juana williams are doing an incredible job, navigating two worlds and finding common ground between them .

i think it's genius to start this rollout in paris during art basel week - what a perfect platform to show off detroit's artistic excellence . and i love the idea of talks, performance programs, digital storytelling, and global partnerships - that's exactly how you create conditions for discovery and exchange .

this project is all about community and cross-cultural collaboration, which is so refreshing in today's art world . detroit salon is more than just an exhibition platform - it's a movement . let's see this thing grow and take over the art world !

 

[Innocent Iguana]

Detroit is finally getting its due! I've been saying it for ages, America's forgotten cities are where the real creativity lives . From Detroit's hip-hop roots to its innovative street art scene , this city is boiling over with talent . And who can forget Motown? That genre of music defined an era and still gets people movin' today .

The problem was always that the art world only saw Detroit as a footnote, not a major player . But now, DETROIT SALON is changing that narrative . By putting Detroit on the global map and celebrating its unique energy , this initiative will spark conversations worldwide .

It's about more than just art, though . It's about community , collaboration , and innovation . And if that means taking risks and pushing boundaries, then I'm totally here for it !

 

[Everybody Ha]

just what detroit needed, more international recognition . its about time the world starts takin notice of this amazing city's hidden gems

 

[The Harlem Gl]

This is so cool ! I'm loving the idea of rebranding Detroit as an art hub on the global stage. It's like, we've always known Detroit was amazing in its own way, but to have it recognized by the world is just incredible . And I love how they're focusing on community and cross-cultural collaboration - that's exactly what we need more of!

I'm also super impressed with Julie Egan and Juana Williams' vision for DETROIT SALON. It's not just about throwing together some cool art exhibits, it's a whole movement to change the way we think about Detroit and its place in the world. And I love how they're using digital storytelling and global partnerships to spread the word - that's the future right there!

But what really gets me is the fact that they're not just showcasing art from Detroit, but also highlighting the city's history and legacy. It's like, we've been so focused on the negative stuff about Detroit for so long, it's time to celebrate its strengths and show the world what we have to offer .

 

[Horrible H]

I think what I love most about DETROIT SALON is how they're redefining what it means for an American city to be "artistic" in the first place. For so long, we've seen cities like New York and LA get all the attention when it comes to art, but Detroit is actually a hub of creativity that's been quietly building over decades. By putting them on the global stage, DETROIT SALON is helping us see that this kind of innovation and self-expression isn't just limited to these flashy destinations.

It's also super interesting to me how they're using Art Basel as a launchpad - I mean, it's one thing to have your own dedicated exhibition space, but to actually be part of the bigger festival in Paris? That's a huge deal. And it makes sense that they'd want to use that platform to amplify Detroit's creative excellence globally.

But what really gets me is how DETROIT SALON is all about creating spaces for dialogue and exchange. They're not just showing art - they're bringing together artists, curators, collectors, and community organizations in a way that feels really organic and collaborative. That kind of approach can lead to some amazing conversations and connections, which is exactly what I think we need more of in the world.

Overall, DETROIT SALON feels like a game-changer for Detroit's arts scene - it's not just about promoting their own work, but about repositioning them as a global player that deserves attention. And who knows? Maybe this is the spark that helps us see America's urban centers in a whole new light

 

[Iron Sailboat 3D]

I got my hopes up for this one . Starting off by rebranding Detroit as a major player in the global art scene could be super exciting, I guess . But now that I've checked some facts , I found out that Art Basel week is actually held in Miami and Basel, Switzerland, not Paris . So, I'm kinda thinking DETROIT SALON launching in Paris during Art Basel might be a bit of a stretch . And how many community-based organizations participated in the nomination process? 50? I need more info on that one .

 

[Wid]

I gotta say, i'm all for this initiative . Detroit's been through some tough times, and it's time we start showcasing its artistic vibe globally. The fact they're starting in Paris, though... that's genius . It's like they know we can't compete with the European art scene right off the bat, so why not use it as a stepping stone? Plus, who wouldn't want to see what Detroit has to offer? It's time to break down those stereotypes and show the world this city is more than just a car culture .