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City approves DIA memorandum for Anton Art Center mural to boost representation in public art
Summary
The Mount Clemens City Commission authorized a memorandum of understanding with the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Anton Art Center to install a new public mural on the fire station building; the project, supported by NEA and local funding, aims to increase representation of Black artists and history in the city's public‑art collection.
Mount Clemens commissioners on June 6 authorized a memorandum of understanding with the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Anton Art Center to install a new public mural on the city's fire station building.
Phil Gilchrist, executive director of the Anton Art Center, presented a near‑final mural concept developed with graphic artist Jay (Germaine) Dickerson and poet Jessica Care Moore. Gilchrist said the project was informed by community conversations and the center’s IDEA Council (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Access), and is intended to increase representation of Black artists and Black history in Mount Clemens’ public art collection. “The goals and purpose of this project were to engage our community in discussion around their lived experiences,” Gilchrist said.
Johnson told commissioners the city applied for a grant through the DIA and was awarded funding; additional support comes from the National Endowment for the Arts and local donors, with remaining costs covered by the Anton Art Center. Commissioners voted to authorize the mayor and city clerk to sign the memorandum so the project can move forward.
Gilchrist said a printed banner will be used initially while the building façade issue is addressed; once the façade is resolved, the city and Anton will select an artist — the DIA is managing artist selection for the partnership and local artists may apply. He said the final artwork was expected before the planned installation later this summer.
The MOU vote followed brief public and commissioner questions about artist selection and whether a local artist could be chosen; staff confirmed the DIA will manage the selection but local applicants may compete. The commission approved the memorandum by roll call.
