Commissioner Detroit Launches at BasBlue

On May 23, 2022 at BasBlue on East Ferry Street, Commissioner—a membership program that helps locals collect the work of contemporary artists in their cities—launched its first initiative in Detroit with contemporary artists Amna Asghar, Judy Bowman and Darryl DeAngelo Terrell. Each commissioned to create a series of mystery works that were unveiled at the standing-room-only talk and reception, this effort is just one of many entries to collecting art and arts patronage that we are building in collaboration with partners on the ground.

"We believe the future of arts patronage is collaborative and community-led, which for so many reasons, makes Detroit an ideal civic partner. The city has long impacted art, industry, and social progress. Detroit stands out as a model of individuals challenging structural norms to create more equitable systems through its strong creative culture and fierce dedication to autonomy and authenticity," says Commissioner Co-Founder Dejha Carrington.

Commissioner Detroit's inaugural artist editions are now available at commissioner.us/detroit. Twenty percent of the sale's proceeds benefit We the People Detroit, a local nonprofit dedicated to community coalition building and to the provision of resources that inform, train and mobilize locals and beyond to improve their quality of life. Founded in Miami in 2018 with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Commissioner Detroit is now the first city outside of Miami where this program will be shared thanks to the continued support of Knight and curated in partnership with Louis Buhl & Co. Email us with questions at hello@commissioner.us.

Photography by Bre’Ann White.