About
Framed by WDET is an audio-visual series produced by Detroit’s public radio station, integrating photography and storytelling to tell the story of ethnic and cultural communities throughout metro Detroit.
Through this project, 18 Detroit-based photographers and storytellers are paired together to present dynamic narratives that the public is able to experience in an interactive way through traveling audio-visual exhibitions, radio features and digital exploration.
As Detroit’s public radio station and NPR-affiliate, WDET 101.9 FM is the authentic voice of Detroit. We serve an engaged, diverse, and always curious audience through trusted news, inclusive conversations, and cultural experiences that empower our community to move forward.
Framed by WDET allows us to fulfill this mission by connecting people through the power of visual and oral storytelling while creating an opportunity for local communities to see their own story validated, elevated and reflected through art. Additionally, it seeks to invest in the local art system by providing artists and storytellers with creative work and build awareness of Detroit’s art spaces.
This project is supported by individual contributions, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and our series sponsors.
Detroit’s public radio station
WDET 101.9 FM is the authentic voice of Detroit. We serve an engaged, diverse and curious audience through trusted news, inclusive conversations and cultural experiences that empower the Detroit region to move forward.
Visit wdet.org
Results Achieved To-Date
Since 2013, Framed by WDET has told the stories of ten local communities, whose images and experiences were presented in over 20 art spaces in Metro Detroit (and beyond). Collectively, local artist work features over 160 printed photographs and includes the voices of nearly 100 individuals who live in our community.
In total, over 4,500 people attended in-person exhibitions in southeast Michigan in addition to more than 5,000 visitors at the Michigan House in SXSW (2016) and 90,000 Photoville visitors in Brooklyn, NY (2017).
In its fifth year, WDET will produce two long-standing, interactive audio-visual installations in metro Detroit that will combine the work of all ten Framed by WDET series. Installations will be complemented with a community engagement initiative that allows visitors to comment on the body of work and contribute to the stories and images that are presented.
