Detroit is asking artists to create a new statue of Joe Louis

DETROIT – The city of Detroit is calling for artists to make a new Joe Louis statue, and there’s a perfect spot for it.

The statue will be located along the Joe Louis Greenway. It will highlight Louis’ life outside the ring as a golfer who paved the way for black Americans on the course. The statue commission application deadline is November 11, 2024.

The statue is to be unveiled in August 2025.

Artists interested in applying can send a packet to Detroit at [email protected] with the following required information:

• Name, address and telephone number

• Experience of community involvement

• Examples of previous work, whether or not it still exists and where the previous work is/was located.

• Two references from previous clients of the sculpture

• An artist statement explaining why he, she, or they should be chosen for the commission. The artist statement should list all required materials, including which foundry will be used, a resume, and answers to the following questions:

  • What interests you about the project?

  • What is your experience working on complex projects and meeting deadline constraints?

  • How would your project benefit the community?