Detroit Is Getting a New Multi-Purpose Arts Hub Called LANTERN
Led by Library Street Collective and designed by OMA.
Detroit’s art scene has shown a resurgence in recent years with flagship galleries such as Louis Buhl & Co. and Library Street Collective (LSC) breathing new life in the Motor City. Operated by the same co-founders, Anthony and JJ Curis, the husband and wife/co-founders have worked closely with the local community by opening a new skatepark, headquarters and cultural arts campus, such as the forthcoming Shepherd. To follow, the Curises worked with local stakeholders to announce the opening of LANTERN, an additional arts Hub in Detroit’s Little Village that will serve as the headquarters for non-profits Signal-Return and PASC (Progressive Arts Studio Collective).
Designed by New York-based architectural firm OMA, LANTERN will occupy a 22,300 square foot building (formerly a commercial bakery) segmented into 5,300 square feet of affordable artist studios, 4,000 square feet of creative retail, as well as an art gallery and expansive outdoor courtyard with an open-air lobby. “The core of our mission in East Village is focused on creating an inclusive community centered around the arts. Progressive Art Studio Collective (PASC) and Signal-Return are two highly impactful nonprofits providing vital support and inspiration to the local arts community. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the neighborhood,” said Anthony Curis in a statement.
(1) Photo by Jason Keen. (2) Copyright Oma And Luxigon.
(1) Photo by Jason Keen. (2) Copyright Oma And Luxigon.
Over the years, PASC and its parent company STEP (Services to Enhance Potential) have served over 1,300 artists with disabilities through programs, artist workshops and exhibitions aimed at amplifying access for the community to new and existing educational structures. Signal-Return is a non-profit that looks to teach and preserve the artform of letterpress in the Detroit area. “As we work with the Curises to establish our presence in this growing cultural district, we will expand our mission and our programmatic offerings by increasing the hours of Open Studio access, the number of artists and Detroiters working in the studio, and the exposure and market for the artists’ work,” said Lynne Avadenka, Director of Signal Return.
“PASC and Signal-Return are both extraordinary organizations with a multi-faceted approach to community building through the arts. To support and enhance their ambitions, we are both turning the building in on itself and opening it out toward the neighborhood—bringing a new density of activity and creative life to East Village,” added OMA partner, Jason Long.
LANTERN is in the works, but Shepherd will open to the public on Saturday, May 18 with a solo exhibition by the late American artist Charles McGee.
LANTERN
9301 Kercheval Ave
Detroit, MI 48214
