Henry Ford Health builds art and community event space in Northwest Goldberg

There’s going to be a new addition to the vibrant Lincoln Street Art Park near the Recycle Here! center in Northwest Goldberg.

ArtBlock is an art-centered community event space developed by Henry Ford Health System (HFHS). The 3,300-square-foot former liquor store on Holden Street has been adorned with art, both inside and out, and will host regular programming and be available for use by local community groups and residents.

It was supported through a $200,000 grant by the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation.

Five public art installations were created for the opening: two murals on the building’s exterior, a sewn textile installation, graffiti painted by a variety of artists, and two metal hippopotamuses across the street.

In total, 14 artists worked on the building and installations, including Fel3000ft, Michelle Tanguay, and Juan Martinez. 1xRun helped coordinate the artwork.

The space is intended to complement the activities and art already taking place in the area. Green Living Science, the educational nonprofit of Recycle Here!, will offer regular environmental programming and youth camps.

“This is different from anything Henry Ford Health System has done before,” says Erin Marie McDonald, senior grants coordinator at HFHS. “There’s a lot happening in the neighborhood and we wanted to support the existing infrastructure and bolster the work already being done.”

HFHS

McDonald adds that, depending on staffing and space availability, they’re currently looking to offer the space free of charge to individuals and nonprofits.

The development is part of Henry Ford Health’s larger investment in the area, including its massive $155 million Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion.

ArtBlock is hosting a kickoff party on Friday, May 17 from 4 to 9 p.m. that’s free and open to the public.