Nonprofit-anchored LOVE Building opens with history-laced art exhibition
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Local artist Taylor Childs' work on display for the "Apex" exhibition this month at the LOVE Building. Photos: Courtesy of Habacuc S. Bessiake and Kwaku Osei-Bonsu.
The LOVE Building, a new development led by nonprofits, has launched its plans to become a community anchor with an art exhibition rooted in family history.
The big picture: After grand opening events last week, the LOVE Building offers programming and workspace for residents and social justice and creative communities, executive director Kwaku Osei tells Axios.
- The exhibition "Apex" by local artist Taylor Childs is now on display through Sept. 27.
State of play: Childs' work aims to unearth lost family narratives, emphasizing the importance of Black historical archives, she tells Axios. It pulls from research on her Detroit-born family, including her great-grandmother's brother's ownership of Oakland Avenue's Apex Bar in the 1970s.
- Her fabric and textile artwork adorn the walls of a development project that has been in progress since 2018, requiring $14 million to complete.
Between the lines: The LOVE Building was purchased and developed by Allied Media Projects. Other tenants include the Detroit Community Technology Project, Detroit Disability Power, the Detroit Justice Center, and Detroit Narrative Agency.
- The LOVE Building, its tenants and advisers entered into an agreement between 2019 and 2022 that includes commitments and offerings for the surrounding community such as meeting space, arts events, free Wi-Fi, green infrastructure, a neighborhood directory, pro-bono legal services, and free and discounted classes.
What they're saying: "We're very fortunate that each of our tenant partners … have come up with activities or things they'll do to support the community at large," Osei says.
Of note: Previously, the mostly plant-based Paradise Deli and Marketplace was planned to open on the ground floor, but now the LOVE Building is exploring other options.
What's next: Osei says to expect more information in early October on future events in the realms of health and wellness, finances and art. A nutrition education series started last night and continues the next two Thursdays.
- The building also has a recording studio and meeting spaces, and will offer a tiered pricing structure, giving local groups and residents free and discounted rates.