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Sponsored Projects Program

The GhostLight Arts Initiative

Art as a Catalyst for Change.

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The GhostLight Arts Initiative (GLAI) is a social-impact organization dedicated to the use of the creative, performing, and media arts as catalysts for social progress. Our goal is to leverage every artistic avenue to create tangible and sustainable impact across social and cultural systems. This impact is felt broadly through programming targeted with a national reach, and locally with efforts designed specifically to empower the city of Detroit.

Here at The GhostLight Arts Initiative we believe, at its best, art has the power to do three things: Show us who we were, Show us who we are, and Show us who we can become.

Here at The GhostLight Arts Initiative we believe, at its best, art has the power to do three things: Show us who we were, Show us who we are, and Show us who we can become.

Progress Is Impossible Without Change

GLAI leverages every artistic avenue to create tangible and sustainable impact across the Detroit arts ecosystem, lessening economic barriers for BIPOC Artists. We support our community at home and abroad via culturally transformative artistic practices.

​Our programming is guided by our three key pillars: Audience & Community Engagement, Artistic & Cultural Enlightenment, and Diversified Economic Sustainability.

Our signature project, The Obsidian Theatre Festival is a platform for emerging Black voices in theatre and film. Each season we produce original plays, musicals and cabaret performances that highlight the diversity of the Black experience — hiring over 100 actors, designers, stage managers, technicians, camera operators, and arts professionals — 88% of whom identify as BIPOC, and close to 90% are based in Metro-Detroit.

Representation matters. When we uplift underrepresented storytellers we encourage dialogue. We break down barriers and build bridges.

The GLAI Young Artist Workshop (YAW) focuses on providing unique and educational opportunities for youth across various areas.

The Neighborhood Engagement Program (NEPS) ensures that Detroiters from every neighborhood can access the same type of art presented and produced in the city’s downtown corridor.

The Detroit Artist Fellowship Program (DAPF) supports early-career artists with professional development training over the course of two years, providing guidance and resources to support the growth and longevity of a career in the arts. We believe that workforce development is key to any successful arts ecosystem.

EncoreMichigan.com is the premiere digital hub for the performing arts community in Michigan. More than just a website, we offer a space for community to gather, engage, and celebrate each other. With news, open forums, casting and job postings, along with featured articles — EncoreMichigan provides access to performing arts content statewide.