Arts and culture experiences not only help build more resilient and connected communities, they can also contribute to the economic growth of Detroit. The Gilbert Family Foundation’s Arts & Culture team invests in wide-ranging projects that strengthen the arts economy in Detroit and also connect art to the business community.
One example of this approach is the Small Business Murals Project. Originally created by the Rocket Community Fund and now managed by the Gilbert Family Foundation, the Small Business Murals Project pairs muralists with small business owners throughout the city to create transformative, large-scale murals. The goal of the project is two-fold: to spur business growth for participating entrepreneurs and to create one-of-a-kind art in Detroit neighborhoods that brings people together. Since 2017, the Small Business Murals Project has worked with 25 artists to create 32 murals for Detroit businesses.