Detroit Salon Brings Detroit’s Creative Legacy, and Cranbrook Alumni, to the Global Stage During Art Basel Paris
Detroit’s vibrant contemporary art scene is taking center stage in Paris this fall through Detroit Salon, a groundbreaking new initiative designed to elevate the city’s artists, designers, and cultural leaders on the international stage. Developed by Julie Egan and her organization Salonnière, the multi-year project launches during Art Basel Paris week (October 24–26, 2025) with three major exhibitions, featuring 26 Detroit artists, 10 of whom are Academy alumni, and one current Artist-in-Residence. The initiative will culminate in a flagship global contemporary art show in Detroit in 2028.
For decades, Cranbrook Academy of Art alumni have been among the leading figures defining Detroit’s artistic identity—building studios, collectives, galleries, and public art projects that have reshaped how the city is seen around the world. Many of those artists now play a pivotal role in Detroit Salon’s debut, featured across the three exhibitions and other programs contributing to the initiative’s curatorial and cultural leadership. Their participation underscores the deep and ongoing relationship between Cranbrook and Detroit.
Akea Brionne. In Bloom. 48″ x 60″. Jacquard, glitter, rhinestones. 2025. Courtesy of the artist. (Palais de Tokyo)
“The world knows our cars, our music, and our design; it’s time for the world to get to know our brilliant contemporary art community too,” said Detroit Salon founder Julie Egan. The initiative’s first presentations—A Blueprint of Resonance: Building Detroit’s Artistic Future, Domestic Dialogues: The Art of Living in Detroit, and Stitched into History: The Legacy of Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion—offer a multifaceted view of the city’s creative culture, exploring Detroit’s history of resilience, collaboration, and innovation.
At the Palais de Tokyo, A Blueprint of Resonance, curated by Detroit Salon’s Chief Curator Juana Williams, highlights artists whose work embodies Detroit’s creative evolution and focuses on how its future is being built through informal networks and collaborative spaces. Participating Academy artists include Zahra Almajidi (MFA Metalsmithing 2021); Akea Brionne (MFA Photography 2023); James Benjamin Franklin (MFA Painting 2017); Tiff Massey (MFA Metalsmithing 2011); Joey Quiñones, Head of Fiber and Artist-in-Residence. A vernissage (private viewing) of A Blueprint of Resonance will take place on October 18.
Rashaun Rucker, My Soul Look Back and Wonder, 2024. Courtesy of the artist. (Grand Palais)
At the Grand Palais, Domestic Dialogues celebrates Detroit’s distinctive culture of collecting, where private homes and local salons have long served as incubators for artists. Participating Academy artists include Akea Brionne (MFA Photography 2023), James Benjamin Franklin (MFA Painting 2017), Conrad Egyir (MFA Painting 2018), Katie Mongoven (MFA Fiber 2024), Rashaun Rucker (MFA Print Media 2024). Senghor Reid, Artist-in-Residence at Cranbrook Schools, is also participating.
Joey Quiñones, Pay it No Mind: Reliquary for Marsha P. Johnson, 2023. Courtesy of the artist. (Hôtel de Talleyrand)
And at the Hôtel de Talleyrand, Stitched into History explores the city’s legacy of fashion, craft, and performance through wearable artworks that merge identity, design, and narrative. Participating Academy artists include KESSWA (MFA 4D Design 2025); Clare Gatto (MFA Photography 2017); Joey Quiñones, Head of Fiber and Artist-in-Residence.
The exhibitions were shaped by a broad nomination process that included museums, universities, and cultural organizations, followed by a juried selection of participating artists. Laura Mott, Chief Curator of Cranbrook Art Museum, serves as a curatorial adviser to Detroit Salon, further strengthening Cranbrook’s ties to the effort.
“Detroit’s excellence is something we as a community here all know and value,” said Mott. “We see each other, we elevate each other, we know our worth. The Detroit Salon initiative is an opportunity for us to take our rightful place amongst our creative peers on the international stage.”
For Cranbrook alumni who have chosen to stay and build their practices in Metro Detroit, Detroit Salon represents a powerful affirmation. It recognizes the city as both a thriving creative hub and a global force—a place where the Academy’s graduates continue to shape the narrative of contemporary art through collaboration, experimentation, and civic imagination.
Supported by partners including the State of Michigan, Visit Detroit, CultureSource, University of Michigan Arts Initiative, and TechTown Detroit, Detroit Salon stands as both an international showcase and a local celebration. As Egan notes, “This is about making sure the world sees what we already know—that Detroit is one of the most creative cities on Earth.”
In addition to these three exhibitions, Detroit Salon will host additional events, including talks, music, and more. Please see the Detroit Salon Instagram for details.
Learn more:
Detroit Salon brings Michigan excellence to the heart of Paris – Art Basel
Meet Detroit Salon, an Ambitious Effort to Boost the City’s Art Scene – artnet
MFA and MArch Programs at Cranbrook Academy of Art
