Wasserman Projects, a new independent, interdisciplinary arts space, will open its doors in Detroit on September 25, 2015, during Detroit Design Week. Located in a renovated firehouse building in the historic Eastern Market district, the space is envisioned as a hub for artistic growth and development, a vibrant gathering place for Detroit’s artistic community, and a destination for the city’s visitors.

Wasserman Projects was founded by cultural producer and philanthropist Gary Wasserman who sought to build an arts center in Detroit that would serve artists from various disciplines -- both local and from around the globe. The center’s multi-faceted program will offer contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, performances, and discussions, promoting cross-collaborations and fostering the production of new art.

Wasserman Projects’ main 5,000 square-foot space will include a gallery and performance venue for major projects such as installations, interactive works, and concerts. Located in the adjacent 2,000 square-foot addition, the “Process” space will host a rotating program focusing on the concept and development of work from emerging artists and designers and will be supported by guest curators, culinary pop ups, and other experimental projects. Starting in the fall of 2016, Wasserman Projects will host a permanent installation of internationally renowned Belgian artist Koen Vanmechlen’s global Cosmopolitan Chicken Project that will also incorporate a breeding space, scientific research, egg and mushroom production with engagement among the larger Detroit community.

“This center grew out of our excitement over the growth, vibrancy, and creative energy in Detroit,” says Wasserman, “We look forward to joining the host of institutions, organizations, and individuals that continue to promote our city’s rich history of arts and culture.”

Wasserman Projects will launch with two dynamic installations spanning disciplines of art, architecture, music, and design. The main space will host a collaborative exhibition, featuring a pavilion designed by Miami Beach-based architect, Nick Gelpi in collaboration with German-born, Brooklyn-based painter Markus Linnenbrink. In addition, Detroit-based artist Jon Brumit will open a large-scale, multi-form outdoor installation, which includes a sonorous grain silo, lathe-cut loop records, and public radio broadcasts. The opening reception, hosted in the Process space on September 25, 6-10 p.m., will bring together local food producers, artists, and designers featuring limited editions of functional wares, which will be for sale in a pop-up design shop.

Wasserman Projects will be led by Gary Wasserman and newly appointed director Alison Wong, who will be bringing her experience as a practicing artist, educator, and curator. 

About Wasserman Projects

Wasserman Projects is a flexible and constantly evolving program of art, design, and music, that brings together artists of all disciplines. Our mission is to promote the work of outstanding practitioners based locally and around the globe by hosting exhibitions, conversations, and supporting creativity wherever we can be useful. Through collaborations and programming that generates interest, curiosity, and commerce, our goal is to become one of the many threads in the vibrant fabric that is Detroit.     

Whenever. Wherever. Art + Music