The Detroit Institute of Art’s Partners in Public Art mural program brings Detroit’s passion for public art to communities throughout the Tri-County area. Our Community Engagement team works closely with each city, township, and village to select an artist, gather input from residents, finalize a design, and ultimately create highly visible murals that highlight each place’s unique stories and interests. Images of lakes and waterways, wildlife, local agriculture, music, recreational activities, and more come together to create visual stories that will inspire generations to come.
A benefit of the Tri-County millage, the Partners in Public Art program began in 2018 and has resulted in 32 murals at places like parks, libraries, and municipal buildings. The DIA works alongside about eight communities each year, with a goal to place a mural in every eligible community. In 2026, the DIA is partnering with Allen Park, Grosse Ile, Livonia, Armada Township, Shelby Township, Oak Park, Waterford Township, and the Village of Wolverine Lake.
One recent example is artist Bakpak Durden’s mural Goldfinch, located on the Southfield municipal campus. At a celebration ceremony last year, residents gathered on site to hear Durden speak about the work, which reflects the community’s top mural survey themes—nature and community. The artist describes the goldfinch as “a migratory bird that decides to stay put when the conditions are good.” Durden, who received the 2026 Alain Locke Recognition Award, is known for their large-scale murals across Detroit.
Clockwise from left: Kevin Burdick's Unravel Your Imagination in Trenton, Andrea Slomczenski's It Takes a Village in Lathrup Village, and Quinn Faylor's A Good Day in Chesterfield Township
Our community partners have expressed how public art has enhanced their cities. Sean Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Dearborn, says that “public art like this transforms our spaces into destinations and reminds us of the power of creativity to bring people together.” And that’s the DIA’s mission—for people to connect with art and with each other.
We’re excited to keep the momentum going with our mural program. Public art allows cities to showcase their personalities and foster a sense of belonging for residents.
Imagine the tri-county area in five years or a decade, dotted with more color—and more stories. Think about all the previously unremarkable buildings that will turn your head as you walk or drive by. Consider all the families and friends posing in front of these murals for photographs. Art as a background for more art.
Art can be seen on the walls of a museum, held up by a magnet on your fridge, or around the corner from your favorite neighborhood hangout. Wherever you are today, be mindful of the art that’s all around you. I promise that it will brighten your day—in more ways than one.
To learn more about our Partners in Public Art program — and see images of murals created through this special initiative — visit dia.org/pipa.