Oct 3, 2022
With Rochelle Riley, Director of Arts & Culture for the City of Detroit
What do you think of when you hear the word “community”? Do you think of the city where you grew up or the neighborhood where you live? Perhaps you think of your place of worship or an organization you belong to. The dictionary defines the word community as “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.”
Although we may each have a different idea of what our community is, it most likely inspires a sense of connection or belonging. When I think of the word community, I think of our city which is made up of so many different communities within the city. Despite our differences, it is our city’s vibrant history that binds us all together.
Today, we’re speaking with nationally syndicated journalist, Rochelle Riley. She’s the Director of Arts and Culture for the City of Detroit. Rochelle is here to tell us all about how the city is transforming blight into art by turning darkened alleys into beautiful sitting areas and providing a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- How did Rochelle’s successful career in journalism lead to her new position as the Director of Arts and Culture?
- What was Rochelle’s end goal when she first took the job?
- What is a community art project?
- How can you get young people involved in the community?
- All about the Detroit Mayor’s “Blight to Beauty” campaign.
- What is the “Arts Alley Initiative”?
- What is the process for designing and creating the murals?
- How do they find artists to paint the murals?
- What are some other community art projects that are currently transforming the city?
- How does Rochelle’s department support Detroit’s rich musical history?
- How can listeners get involved to benefit the city?
- All about the novel Rochelle is writing.
Today’s Takeaway:
Instead of darkened, trash-filled alleys, thanks to the “Arts Alley Initiative,” these same alleyways have now been transformed into works of art and community gathering places that we can all enjoy. There’s no better way to enrich our city than by creating something beautiful and useful to erase the blight. Belonging to a community within our city helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. When we feel part of a community, we feel a sense of connection and we take comfort and inspiration from others within the group. But belonging to a community isn’t a one-way street. In addition to how the community within a city benefits us, we have a responsibility to give back. There is no better way to feel a part of something than by giving our time and working in tandem with others for a united cause. When we believe in something, it is so gratifying to find others who share that belief. That role of giving back can take a variety of forms and it may look completely different for each one of us. As you’ve heard today, there are many ways to give back and be a part of the solution to make our city better. You don’t need to be musically inclined or artistic. We all bring our own unique strengths and abilities. Perhaps you excel at organizing or performing administrative tasks. Or, you could volunteer to clean up trash and plant an urban garden. Whatever it is that you do well, step up and volunteer to do it. I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”
Quotes:
- “When you say ‘community,’ it means 19 different things to 19 different people.” — Rochelle
- “There’s nothing that we can’t do, all of us together.” — Rochelle
- “My goal is to see how people live, see the way that we live, and always make it better.” — Rochelle
- “My office has a policy; no artist works for free that works for me.” — Rochelle
- “I know we’re an industrial city, but we don’t have to be all gray and brown.” — Rochelle
- “I don’t think people understand just how pervasive American culture is.” — Rochelle
- “I want every person to feel like this is something they’re responsible for; whether you’re the CEO of a company or a teacher that’s underpaid.” — Rochelle
- “You can always make your day better if you start with dancing.” — Rochelle
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Mentioned in This Episode:
Twitter: @RochelleRiley