Detroit Will Be The Creative Canvas For Summit Series This June

Set into the architectural iconography of Detroit, Summit Series will gather more than 1,100 thought leaders, design thinkers, and business scions for a slate of riveting programming this June. More than a backdrop, Detroit’s spectacular venues—the recently revitalized Michigan Central Station, Detroit Opera House, Harmonie Club, Shinola Hotel, a roller rink rooted in the 1800s, and more—act as a connective tissue with and between each day’s events and the participating individuals.

For decades now, Detroit has been a beacon for multidisciplinary creatives and eager entrepreneurs. Now, that global community is set to welcome Summit. The four-day immersive ideas festival will center art, architecture, and design programming in line with its inspiring surroundings. Marquee talent includes artist Hank Willis Thomas, in dialogue with street art pioneer Shepard Fairey; artist Refik Anadol; architect Kulapat Yantrasast; and design historian Eames Demetrios, the director of the Eames Office. Acclaimed choreographer Bill T. Jones will even delve into storytelling through movement.

Infused with an energy that’s distinctly Detroit, this Summit Series will feature DJ sets from LP Giobbi, as well as Moodyman, Aluna, Coco & Breezy, Tony Touch, Full Crate, and more. This will be coupled with live performances of the soulful electronics of Double Touch, the cinematic soundscapes of Stavroz, and the time-traveling repertoire of Dames Brown. Fueling it all are culinary contributions from Detroit’s own highly awarded chefs Javier Bardauil, Warda Bouguettaya, Brad Greenhill, and more. These are but some of the figures positioning Detroit’s flavorful inventions among the best in the country.

“Detroit’s story of reinvention and resilience makes it the perfect backdrop for Summit’s community of creative business leaders, entrepreneurs, social designers, and problem solvers,” Jody Levy, Global Director and CEO of Summit, shares with Surface. “Summit Detroit represents a convergence of visionary leadership, industry innovation, and creative thinking in America’s great comeback city with an entrepreneurial spirit that matches that of Summit.”

It’s the Detroit narrative—no longer one of healing, now one of entrepreneurial spirit and abundant creativity—that aligns so well with Summit’s values. “Detroit is a booming, burgeoning city that has reclaimed its place in the world,” Levy adds. “Every time I bring somebody through the city, they experience its unique mix of style, design, flavor, and edge.” This encompasses Detroit’s ever-advancing culinary scene, numerous places for art and design, and, of course, its music community. All of this acts as a counterpoint to Summit’s thought provoking programming.

“I am so excited for the Summit community to experience the vibrancy, the inspiration, and the possibility that is alive here,” Levy concludes. Underscoring this is an understanding that Detroit’s art and design community are anchored by a mission to make their city, and the planet, better than the way they found it.

You can apply to participate now, with ticket prices starting at $4,500.