Detroit ACE is issuing an open call for a sculptor to create a new statue of icon Joe Louis focused on the boxer’s life outside the ring.

The statue, which will anchor a business plaza on the city’s west side, will be another feature on the 30-mile Joe Louis Greenway, the biking, walking, culture and history trail that extends from the Detroit Riverfront to Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck.

Louis is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, a man who broke racial barriers, a national hero. But Louis also broke racial barriers in golf.

Louis began playing golf in 1935 and became a major supporter of the United Golf Association (UGA), the African American organization that conducted tournaments nationwide. And as an amateur golfer, he was the first African American to play in a PGA-sanctioned event.

In Detroit, we celebrate the contributions Detroiters have made to the city and to the world, and Joe Louis is one of our greatest examples,” said Mayor Mike Duggan.  “It’s only fitting that a statue reflecting his accomplishments outside of boxing grace the magnificent greenway being built in his honor.”

The new Joe Louis statue is among many Detroit ACE is undertaking to increase the number of public art pieces that highlight Detroit’s rich African American history. The plan continues efforts to improve the look of neighborhoods across the city as part of Mayor Mike Duggan’s Blight to Beauty initiative. ACE also is transforming nine residential and commercial alleys into beautiful gathering spaces for the community. 

OPEN CALL

Artists interested in applying for the statue commission should send a packet to detroitace@detroitmi.gov  with the following required information:

• Name, address and phone number
• Community engagement experience
• Examples of past work, whether it still exists or not, and where past work is /was located.
• Two references from previous sculpture clients
• An artist statement explaining why he, she or they should be chosen for the commission. The Artist Statement should list all needed materials, including which foundry will be used, a resume and answers to the following questions:
• What interests you about the project?
• What is your experience working on complex projects and meeting deadline constraints?
• How would your project benefit the community?

For this commission, the City and Greenway have chosen what the statue should look like and will provide that information to applicants.

The statue will be unveiled in August 2025.

 COMMISSION

The commission for the Joe Louis statue is $100,000 ($50,000 from JLG budget and $50,000 from the Public Art Fund). The commission covers all fees, artist, artist assistant costs, artist studio costs, foundry costs, materials and supplies and installation. The artist will receive 50 percent of the commission in advance; 25 percent when the sculpture goes to the foundry; and 25 percent upon completion.

All questions should be directed to Rochelle Riley at [email protected] or Candace Calloway at [email protected].