Northwest Wayne News

Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission have teamed up to launch an online auction of DCLEATED art sculptures, with the proceeds benefiting local charities in Detroit. The art installation, consisting of 20 oversized cleat sculptures painted by local Detroit artists, aims to showcase the talent of these artists while supporting important causes in the community.

Harriet Carter, Vice President of Customer and Partner Services at Visit Detroit, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This project has been a great way to highlight the outstanding talent of our city’s artists.” Carter emphasized the importance of supporting local initiatives and raising funds for meaningful causes in the area.

The online auction, managed by Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission, will kick off at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 5, and will run until 11:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3. Bidding for the cleats will start at $2,500 each, with an option to purchase a cleat for $10,000. Additionally, bidders will have the opportunity to donate online, with all proceeds being evenly distributed among the 20 charities involved.

Nineteen of the 20 cleats displayed in downtown Detroit will be available for purchase through the online auction. The remaining cleat, designed by artist Trae Isaac to benefit The Children’s Center, will be on permanent display at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

Local artists selected for the DCLEATED project went through a competitive open call process and were paired with a non-profit organization aligned with their passions. This allowed the artists to integrate their personal stories and messages into the design of their cleats, adding depth and meaning to the artwork.

The DCLEATED art installation was launched ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft to coincide with the event and highlight the vibrant art scene in Detroit. The NFL Draft, presented by Bud Light, is free to attend and fans can find more information on how to participate on the NFL website.

Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission are dedicated to promoting regional tourism and economic growth through initiatives like the DCLEATED art project. To learn more about Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission, visit their respective websites for additional information on their missions and activities.