Paris vs. Detroit – Navigating Two Distinct Art Worlds
When people ask me what it’s like to be an artist and curator who has lived and worked in both Paris and Detroit, I always say it’s like moving between two different art galaxies-each with its own gravity, energy, and creative codes. Both cities are brimming with talent and vision, but the way art is made, shared, and valued couldn’t be more different. Here’s what I’ve learned from navigating these two vibrant scenes.
Image from ‘Birthmark’ exhibition curated by Aalyiah Heath in Paris, France captured by Khoi. Art piece by painter Ketsia Herr
The Paris Art Scene: History, Prestige, and Global Reach
Paris is a city where art is woven into the very fabric of daily life. Walking through its neighborhoods, you’re surrounded by centuries of artistic legacy-from the grandeur of the Louvre to the cutting-edge installations at Palais de Tokyo. The city pulses with international energy, especially during events like Art Paris at the Grand Palais, where hundreds of galleries from around the world converge, and the scene is as much about discovery as it is about prestige.
What stands out in Paris is the deep sense of tradition and the weight of history. The art world here is highly structured, with established galleries, institutions, and a clear hierarchy. There’s a cosmopolitan mix-French and international artists, collectors, and curators-creating a melting pot of ideas. Yet, there’s also a formality: getting your foot in the door often means understanding the unwritten rules and building relationships over time.
What I love:
Access to world-class museums and galleries
The chance to connect with an international network
A constant calendar of ambitious exhibitions and fairs
What’s challenging:
The traditional art scene can feel exclusive and competitive
It takes time to build trust and find your community
If you are not French, funding from the government is harder to get.
The Detroit Art Scene: Community, Grit, and Innovation
Detroit, by contrast, is all about grassroots energy and creative resilience. The city’s art scene is shaped by its industrial past and its ongoing spirit of reinvention. Here, artists are not just makers-they’re builders of communities and spaces. There’s a palpable sense of camaraderie: artists, curators, and supporters band together to create opportunities, often transforming old factories and storefronts into vibrant galleries and studios.
Detroit’s art world is less about hierarchy and more about hustle. The boundaries between artist, curator, and audience are fluid. There’s a DIY ethos, with artist-run spaces and pop-ups at the heart of the scene. Because Detroit is more spread out, finding your tribe can take effort, but when you do, the support is real and lasting. The city’s affordability also means artists can take risks and experiment in ways that might be harder in Paris.
What I love:
The sense of community and mutual support
Freedom to experiment and collaborate across disciplines
The authenticity and rawness of the work and spaces
What’s challenging:
Fewer established galleries and international collectors
The need for more infrastructure and sustained funding
The scene is vibrant but less centralized, so connections take effort
Bridging the Gap: Lessons and Opportunities
Recently, I’ve witnessed exciting cultural diplomacy initiatives bringing Detroit artists to Paris and vice versa. These exchanges highlight the best of both worlds: Detroit’s innovation and community spirit meeting Paris’s global platform and resources. As someone who moves between these cities, I see endless potential for collaboration-where Detroit’s grassroots ingenuity can inspire Paris, and Paris’s reach can amplify Detroit voices.
My advice for artists navigating these worlds:
In Paris, be patient and persistent-relationships matter.
In Detroit, dive in and don’t be afraid to start something new.
In both places, stay true to your voice and seek out your community.
Both cities have shaped me as an artist and curator. Paris taught me to honor tradition and think globally; Detroit taught me to build, adapt, and always create space for others. If you ever get the chance to experience both, take it-your art (and your heart) will be all the richer for it.
Curious to learn more or connect about the art worlds in Paris and Detroit? Let’s keep the conversation going-reach out via www.aalyiahheath.com.
