Hey Detroiters, welcome back to Culture Canvas!
As Detroit becomes a hub for independent filmmakers, including its takeover of streaming service Tubi (there’s even a commercial about it), city officials are taking notice and recently launched an initiative to offer resources to creatives.
Under Detroit’s Media Services Department, Film Detroit is a new program that aims to bring together local actors, directors, screenwriters and other creatives to network and navigate the city’s film permitting process. Participating filmmakers also get opportunities to have their content broadcast on Detroit’s cable channels.
Film Detroit launched in September with an outreach event at AB Ford Community Center that attracted between 300 to 500 people, said Media Services Director Jasmine Barnes.
Film Detroit followed that outreach event with a teen Halloween party in October and a harvest event in November. Now, they’re gearing up for December’s event, which will cater to college students, Barnes said. The meetup will take place Dec. 22 from 5-8 p.m. at Northwest Activities Center and include a panel discussion on creating movie and TV trailers and teasers.
Film Detroit will continue to host monthly events in 2026, allowing people to network, as well as submit film permits to the city or to have their work broadcast on one of the cable channels.
“Just like the government comes to pick up your trash and provide you Motor City Match dollars…we’re providing a service when it comes to creation and filmmaking,” Barnes said. “I’m excited to provide this new type of service to our residents.”
You can read more about Film Detroit here!
As always, have a great week!
Until next time,
Micah
313 Scene
- If you’re looking for fun things to do around Detroit during the holidays, check out this list of celebrations and events happening throughout the month.
- Kronk Gym is back. The legendary home of the late Emanuel Steward, who trained a number of World Champions and Olympic medalists, has officially reopened in the historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center at 670 Wilkins St. The gym is now open for new members and has even introduced new Kronk-branded merch. (Detroit Metro Times)
- Detroit’s Movement Music Festival dropped a teaser for its 2026 lineup featuring some exciting techno and hip-hop acts. That includes a few names that should be familiar to fans of Detroit music, including techno titans like Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, Carl Craig, Kevin Saunderson, and Danny Brown, the Motor City rapper who just released his electronic dance music-inspired album Stardust last month. (Detroit Metro Times)
- More than 100 arts and cultural organizations in the metro Detroit area will share more than $11.2 million in multiyear general operating support. This multi-year funding initiative, known as Detroit Arts Support (DAS), is a collaboration between The Kresge Foundation, the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation and Hudson-Webber Foundation. The program aims to strengthen the sector broadly through consistent support for a diverse set of organizations. (Detroit Free Press)
- Carl Carlton, the Detroit singer who racked up a string of R&B hits while finding pop crossover success with “Everlasting Love” and “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” has died. He was 73. (Detroit Free Press)
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris will be on hand at the Fillmore Detroit on Feb. 27 for what is billed as “A Conversation With Kamala Harris.” Tickets went on sale on Friday via Ticketmaster. Meet-and-greet packages, which include a photo of Harris and a signed copy of her book “107 Days,” are also available. (The Detroit News)
What’s Going on in the D?
- Nick Gilbert Way, a public plaza located between Hudson’s office building and the Hudson’s skyscraper, is offering holiday programming, including vendor carts featuring local artisans, live music performances and visits from beloved holiday characters. The plaza will have extended hours until Dec. 23, from 12-9 p.m.
- Detroit Artists Market’s annual “Art for the Holidays” exhibition and sale opened Nov. 14 and runs until Saturday. The show features 1,500 handmade works from nearly 100 local artists, from ceramics and textiles to paintings and jewelry. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The Detroit Opera House is hosting its Holiday Sip and Stroll event at 6 p.m. on Thursday. The 90-minute experience includes a tour of the Grand Lobby, the mainstage and backstage areas, the SkyDeck—weather permitting— with sweeping views of downtown Detroit, and more. Guests can pick their drink of choice: a hot cocoa bar, mulled wine, or a glass of premium red or white wine, along with bottled water and holiday-themed snacks. Tickets are $45.
- Michigan Central’s monthly concert series, “Fridays at the Station,” is back beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. This month’s event will feature performances by Detroit’s Urban Art Orchestra. Tickets are $15.
- The Redford Theatre is showing a screening of the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. The film follows a man at the edge of his rope (James Stewart) who discovers from a guardian angel what his town would be like if he had never been born. Tickets are $7.
