Juana Williams and Julie Egan of DETROIT SALON On Bringing Motor City’s Art to the World

Detroit Salon's Artistic Director and Chief Curator, Juana Williams, and founder Julie Egan are redefining how America perceives a city like Detroit as a hub of creativity, innovation, and resilience. DETROIT SALON is a platform that connects Detroit artists, curators, designers, and thinkers with international audiences.

Their mission is to challenge the existing art world systems that often marginalize extraordinary creative communities like Detroit's. The organization aims to address visibility and accessibility issues by partnering with major institutions, developing international exhibitions, creating new exchange pathways, and showcasing Detroit's artistic talent globally.

For their Paris debut, DETROIT SALON presented a cohesive narrative highlighting the city's rich legacy, present vibrancy, and future potential. Each exhibition explored different facets of this story, including "Blueprint of Relevance: Building Detroit’s Artist Legacy," which focused on community; "Stitched Into History: The Legacy of the Avenue of Fashion," which highlighted fashion as an element of self-expression; and "Domestic Dialogues: The Art of Living in Detroit," which celebrated the role collectors play in supporting the arts community.

The biggest challenge in moving Detroit's local energy into a European institution like Palais de Tokyo was bridging two different worlds while maintaining authenticity. DETROIT SALON prioritized artists whose work authentically engages with local themes, reflects social and cultural dynamics, and fosters genuine community involvement.

The organization chose to start the international rollout in Paris rather than in the U.S. because it offers a unique platform for Detroit's creative excellence on a global scale. Paris during Art Basel week is a hub for artists, collectors, institutions, and press, making it an ideal location to amplify DETROIT SALON's mission.

For Egan, conversation means creating conditions for discovery – gathering new ideas, learning, and honest exchange. DETROIT SALON draws from this lineage but has reimagined it for the modern era. The organization keeps that spirit alive through talks and performance programs, digital storytelling, global partnerships, and gatherings in homes and intimate spaces.

Ultimately, Detroit's art community is a living ecosystem made up of artists who build together, lift each other, challenge each other, and create even when resources are limited – innovation and resilience. DETROIT SALON wants to show that Detroit isn't on the margins of the art world but has been a center of cultural creation all along.

I gotta say, I'm loving this idea of DETROIT SALON ! They're doing something so cool by bringing Detroit's artistic vibe to the global stage. It's like, we don't always get to see cities other than NYC and LA getting some art love, but Detroit is literally killing it .

I mean, think about it, they're not just showcasing artists from Detroit, but also exploring the city's history, culture, and community – that's a whole lot of depth . And by partnering with major institutions and doing exhibitions in Paris during Art Basel week, they're getting their art seen by people who really matter .

What I love most about this is that it's not just about the art itself, but about the people and communities behind it – that's what's gonna make a real impact . So, yeah, DETROIT SALON is definitely doing something special here

OMG, I'm so hyped for this!!! They're finally giving Detroit the recognition it deserves! Like, our city's been through so much and yet we still manage to produce amazing talent. It's about time the world sees what we've got to offer . Juana Williams and Julie Egan are total rockstars for pushing boundaries and creating a platform that connects Detroit artists globally . I love how they're not just showcasing art, but also community, fashion, and social dynamics – it's all so relevant! And starting in Paris instead of the US makes sense, because let's be real, who doesn't want to be seen on the world stage? The energy of Art Basel week is crazy! I'm excited to see how DETROIT SALON will keep innovating and making our city proud .

Ugh, sounds like just another case of rich people trying to "save" struggling cities. Like, they think by putting some fancy art shows in Paris and calling it a revolution, they're actually doing something for Detroit's artists . And what's with this whole idea of "discovery" and "community involvement"? Just a bunch of empty buzzwords to justify the million-dollar salaries of those founding folks...

Detroit's got some serious magic going on . I mean, think about it - this city's been through some major ups and downs (like, seriously, who can forget the bankruptcy? ), but instead of letting that bring them down, they're using it as fuel to create something amazing. And DETROIT SALON is leading the charge ! By shining a light on Detroit's artists, curators, and designers, they're showing the world that this city's got so much more to offer than just its grittiness.

It's about time someone like DETROIT SALON came along and said, "Hey, America - you can't dismiss Detroit as just a bunch of rust belts and abandoned factories." They're giving the city's creative community a platform to show off their stuff, and it's honestly beautiful . I love how they're not just talking about what Detroit's past is like, but also its present and future - that's what innovation is all about .

I mean, Paris might be an obvious choice for a debut, but DETROIT SALON made it work because it's the perfect opportunity to showcase Detroit's energy to a global audience . And at the end of the day, it's not just about art - it's about building communities and fostering connection . That's what makes Detroit so special, and that's what DETROIT SALON is all about .

omg i just got back from the most amazing weekend at the beach i was thinking about how much i love the smell of saltwater and sunscreen... anyway detroit's artistic movement is so inspiring! I'm really glad they're redefining what art looks like in america. i mean have you ever been to a city that's just so rich in history and culture? it's like, every block has a story to tell

i've always loved the way detroiters are all about community and collaboration... it's like they're saying "hey we may not have a lot of resources but we can still make something beautiful together" what do you think makes a city like detroit so special? is it the music scene, the food, or just the way people interact with each other?

I gotta say, I'm lovin' what DETROIT SALON is doin' They're really shinin' a light on the creative genius of Detroit and takin' it global . I mean, who would've thought that a city with so much history and struggle could be a hub of innovation and art? But they're showin' us that even in tough times, there's always beauty to be found .

And I love how they're connectin' the dots between Detroit's past, present, and future . It's like, we gotta appreciate where we come from, but also look towards what's next . And by doin' it in a way that's authentic and community-driven, DETROIT SALON is really makin' a statement about the power of art to bring people together .

Now, I'm thinkin', what if they take this momentum back to Detroit? Can we create more spaces like this, where artists can come together and thrive? I mean, it's not just about the art itself, but about buildin' a culture of creativity and support .

I'm loving how DETROIT SALON is bringing the heat with their Paris debut ! It's so cool to see an organization like this helping to amplify Detroit's creative energy globally . I think it's amazing that they're redefining what America perceives as a city of creativity and innovation - let's give Detroit its due props . The fact that they prioritized artists who authentically engage with local themes is really refreshing - it's not just about showcasing Detroit, but also giving voice to the people who live there . And I love how Julie Egan talks about creating conditions for discovery and honest exchange - that's exactly what we need in this world . DETROIT SALON is more than just an art show, it's a movement .

DETROIT SALON is breaking the mold in the art world! They're taking the city's hidden gems and shining them bright for the world to see . It's about time America saw Detroit as a hub of creativity and innovation, not just a struggling city . The fact that they partnered with Palais de Tokyo in Paris says it all - DETROIT SALON is making waves globally !

I'm so stoked about DETROIT SALON's mission! They're totally turning the script around for American cities, proving that creativity and innovation can thrive in unexpected places. The fact that they're bridging two different worlds – local energy and European institutions – is a major win . It's all about amplifying Detroit's artistic voice globally, and I'm loving the way they're doing it through conversations, performances, and digital storytelling. Can't wait to see what other cities get inspired by their model!

I gotta say, it's about time we give Detroit some props for being a hub of creativity! I mean, people always think of LA or NYC, but Detroit's got its own unique energy and history. Juana Williams and Julie Egan are doing an awesome job bringing that to the international scene.

I love how they're not just showing off some cool art pieces, but also telling a story about the city's resilience and innovation. It's not just about showcasing Detroit as a "cool" place, it's about highlighting its actual impact on the art world. And partnering with major institutions is genius – I mean, who wouldn't want to collaborate with Palais de Tokyo?

The fact that they chose Paris over the US for their debut is interesting. I guess you could say they wanted to make a splash in one of the most creative cities in the world . Either way, it's dope to see Detroit getting the recognition it deserves.

I'm all about DETROIT SALON keeping the conversation going – whether it's through talks, performance programs, or digital storytelling. It's time we give more voices a platform and let the art speak for itself

Wow , I'm loving how DETROIT SALON is turning the spotlight on this amazing city's creative scene! It's so cool how they're bridging the gap between local and international audiences, giving Detroit artists a platform to shine globally . I think it's awesome that they prioritized authenticity by focusing on artists who authentically engage with local themes . The fact that they chose Paris as their debut location is genius - what a hub for art and creativity!

OMG, I'm so stoked to see Detroit getting some major love from the art world! DETROIT SALON is doing an amazing job of rebranding the city as a hub for creativity and innovation - it's like, totally overdue . The way they're tackling issues of visibility and accessibility by partnering with institutions and showcasing local talent globally is pure genius . I mean, who wouldn't want to see Detroit's artistic legacy get some international recognition? It's not just about the art itself, but also about how it reflects the city's resilience and community spirit .

I love that they're prioritizing artists whose work authentically engages with local themes and social dynamics - that's what makes it so authentic and relatable . And Paris is an awesome choice for their debut exhibition... I mean, who doesn't want to show off in the City of Light? But seriously, DETROIT SALON is on a mission to change how we see Detroit as a creative city - and that's something to get excited about . Bring it on!

OMG, I'm so stoked to see what DETROIT SALON is doing for America's creativity scene! They're literally flipping the script and showing everyone that Detroit is not just about cars, but about art, innovation, and community! It's amazing how Juana Williams and Julie Egan are working together to bridge the gap between local energy and international exposure. The way they prioritized authentic artists who engage with local themes is so cool! I love how they're using conversation as a tool for discovery and creating conditions for new ideas to emerge. It's all about building each other up, lifting each other's work, and creating something truly special even on a limited budget. Detroit is definitely not on the sidelines of the art world anymore - they're right in the thick of it!

OMG I'm so stoked about DETROIT SALON's Paris debut! They're literally pushing the boundaries of how we think about creativity and innovation, especially in cities like Detroit that are often overlooked . I love how they're connecting artists with international audiences and showcasing Detroit's unique energy . It's like, who wouldn't want to see what's going on in a city that's all about resilience and community? The fact that they prioritized artists whose work is authentic and reflects the local themes is so cool . I also think it's awesome that they're bridging two different worlds while maintaining authenticity - it's not always easy, but it's worth it . Can't wait to see what they do next !

omg i just saw this amazing video of street art in mexico city and it got me thinking, what if we could apply some of those same urban renewal strategies to abandoned industrial spaces in detroit? like, have you ever noticed how murals can totally transform a whole area? wouldn't that be sick to see detroit's artists get more recognition and funding for their street art projects?

OMG I'm loving the way DETROIT SALON is shaking things up in the art world! They're really making an effort to bring Detroit's unique energy and creativity to a global stage, and I think it's so cool that they're partnering with major institutions and showcasing local talent worldwide. The fact that they prioritized authenticity and community involvement over just pushing a specific agenda is like, totally on point .

I also appreciate how they're using different platforms and formats to engage with audiences – from exhibitions to talks and digital storytelling. It's like, they get it that the art world can be super stuffy sometimes, so they're trying to break down those barriers and make it more accessible and inclusive.

One thing I'd love to see is more visuals! Like, a more cohesive online presence with some dope graphics and layout... just saying

omg i love how detroit salon is redefining what it means to be an artistic hub ! they're not just showcasing the city's talent, they're also addressing the systemic issues that often marginalize creative communities like detroit's . partnering with major institutions and creating new exchange pathways is genius ! i'm also loving how they're prioritizing artists who authentically engage with local themes . it's so refreshing to see an organization putting people over profit . paris was the perfect choice for their debut, btw ️. detroit salon is definitely making a name for themselves in the art world !

ugh its finally being recognized like detroit shouldve always been in the spotlight already...but i guess thats not how it works the thing that gets me is theyre trying to break down them art world barriers and give a voice to detroits community, thats amazing but at the same time its like theyre starting from scratch, kinda like we shouldve been doing this all along...anyway i love how they chose paris as the launchpad, that city is always so vibrant and full of energy, its gonna be interesting to see how it all comes together