The event also kicked off Kresge Arts in Detroit’s 15th program anniversary. Since 2008, the program has celebrated 345 artists living and working in metro Detroit through $8 million in no strings attached awards. Experience the creativity of Kresge Artists Fellows from 2009 to 2023 in this video. 

During the award event, remarks from the 2023 cohort evoked triumph, honor, hope, humility, gratitude, power, and validation. Artists shared personal vignettes of achievement, support, disappointment, perseverance, disbelief, and aspiration.

The program also held space for artists awarded in 2020 and 2021 as COVID-19 disrupted the ability to celebrate in person during their award years. The crowd showered the artists with applause to acknowledge their presence and accomplishments.

The celebration felt like a reunion. Guests joyfully embraced and enjoyed food and drinks in smiling clusters. Others lounged together on couches as the voice of Tammy Lakkis, 2022 Kresge Artist Fellow, floated through Shed 5. The formal program opened with congratulatory messages from Christina deRoos, director of Kresge Arts in Detroit; Rip Rapson, president & CEO of The Kresge Foundation; and Don Tuski, president of the College for Creative Studies. Past fellows performed throughout the evening. Detroit Puppet Company (Carrie Morris, 2018 Fellow) snaked a large-scale dragon through the crowd during the opening performance, “Convening Moment.” Billy Mark (2015 Fellow) engaged guests with spoken word and interactive poetry. Marc Brewer (2022 Fellow) and Rose Turuka performed an electric dance to close the event.