Exploring the Intersection of Art and Technology in Detroit's Latest Assembly Event

Detroit Hosts Groundbreaking Artists Make Technology Lab Assembly

On November 13, 2026, Detroit became a vital confluence of art and technology as it hosted the inaugural Artists Make Technology (AMT) Lab Assembly. This event, a collaboration between the Mozilla Foundation and the Doris Duke Foundation, showcased 20 innovative projects brought to life by 40 pioneering artists and creative technologists. The assembly took place at the historic Michigan Central, a venue steeped in the spirit of transformation.

The selected artists, emerging from a competitive pool of nearly 400 applicants, are at the forefront of exploring how technology can be reimagined through an artistic lens. Their work spans various realms, including artificial intelligence, robotics, immersive performance, and spatial audio. By challenging traditional notions of technology's creators and its accessibility, these artists aim to highlight the vital role of creativity in shaping the future of digital innovations.

Detroit's historical significance as a hub for innovation and cultural shifts makes it the perfect host for this assembly. From Diego Rivera's murals celebrating auto workers to the birth of Motown and the evolution of techno music, Detroit has long been a city where creative expression drives change. The assembly took place in Michigan Central, a formerly abandoned train station transformed into a community and technology hub, embodying the area's rich legacy of renewal and reinvention.

Ziyaad Bhorat, Vice President of Imagination & Strategic Growth at the Mozilla Foundation, stated, “We do not want to live in the imagination of a few people in Silicon Valley. That's why we’re bringing together these extraordinary creative minds to invent an alternative future.” This sentiment underscores the aim of the assembly: to place artists at the forefront of technological development rather than as mere afterthoughts.

Throughout the assembly, attendees participated in discussions, live performances, and creative demonstrations. The program emphasized the necessity of community-led technological innovation and the crucial part artists play in influencing AI policy. Notable representatives from organizations such as the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Americans for the Arts, and various creative communities in Detroit participated in these discussions.

Ashley Ferro-Murray, Program Director for the Arts at the Doris Duke Foundation, echoed the event's purpose, stating, “True innovation occurs when we center artists in technological development, allowing us to shape technology together rather than being subject to it.” This vision aligns with the assembly's mission to encourage collaboration between artists and institutions that can foster sustainable impact.

The $11 million initiative, which has garnered $8 million in funding thus far, reflects a commitment to novel approaches to technology creation. Supported by prominent foundations like the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Ford Foundation, this initiative promises up to 40 grants over its duration, with the first round of awards totaling $2.75 million.

In addition to the AMT Lab Assembly, the broader program seeks to elevate artistic voices and highlight their importance in shaping a more equitable digital future. The gathering notably included discussions centered on the effects of technology on communities and the intersection of creative expression with justice, ethics, and personal agency.

As Detroit unfolds its story of transformation, the assembly serves as a reminder of the city’s legacy of innovation and creativity. By putting artists in leadership roles, the Mozilla Foundation and Doris Duke Foundation advocate for a future where technology is not only created by artists but also serves the diverse needs of communities.

For more information about the Artists Make Technology Lab Assembly and to view the inaugural projects, visit the official pages of the Mozilla Foundation and the Doris Duke Foundation. Detroit's journey in blending technology with artistic vision is just beginning—one that promises a more inclusive and imaginative digital landscape for all.