News

DDA Donation To Public Art July 2026

Donation will support the purchase, transportation and installation of a monumental work by internationally recognized artist Sebastián
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — July 21, 2026 — The Southfield Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors has approved an $80,000 donation to the Friends of Southfield Public Arts to help bring a major work of public art to the City of Southfield.

The contribution will support the purchase, transportation and assembly of a monumental sculpture by Sebastián, a renowned Mexican artist known for large-scale geometric works displayed in public spaces around the world.

The sculpture is planned for the southeast corner of Nine Mile Road and the Northwestern and Southfield freeway service drives. Its prominent location will create a recognizable landmark at an important gateway to the SDDA district.

“This is an investment in Southfield’s identity, cultural life and sense of place,” said SDDA Executive Director Molly LaLone. “Public art can transform an ordinary location into a memorable destination. This sculpture will welcome residents, employees and visitors while reflecting Southfield’s commitment to creativity, collaboration and community investment.”

The sculpture will be transported from Mexico to Southfield on multiple flatbed trucks and assembled at the installation site. The full project is expected to cost approximately $2 million. More than $1.5 million has been raised to date through an ongoing community fundraising effort. Public-art fundraising was also identified as an active community initiative in the SDDA Executive Committee’s October 2024 meeting minutes.

A Lasting Investment in Southfield
Public art brings creativity into everyday life. It can strengthen community identity, create memorable gathering places and introduce residents and visitors to artists and ideas from around the world.

Sebastián’s monumental sculptures are designed to complement prominent civic and urban settings. The Southfield installation will add visual interest to a major intersection and support the city’s reputation as a community that values art, architecture and innovation.

The project also advances the SDDA’s placemaking goals by helping create a more connected, active and investment-ready district.
Donations Are Still Needed

Residents, businesses and community organizations are invited to help complete the project by donating to the Friends of Southfield Public Arts. Contributions directly support the procurement, placement and restoration of public art, including the signature sculpture by Sebastián.

Contributions are tax-deductible and may be made in the following ways:
By mail:
Make checks payable to Friends of Southfield Public Arts and mail them to:
City of Southfield
c/o Mayor’s Office
26000 Evergreen Road
Southfield, MI 48037-2055

Digitally:
Send donations through PayPal or Zelle to [email protected]
Donations of all sizes will help bring this significant international work of art to Southfield.

About the Friends of the Southfield Public Arts
The Friends of Southfield Public Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering public art projects throughout Southfield. Its mission is to finance the procurement, transportation, installation, and restoration of art for public enjoyment.

About the Southfield Downtown Development Authority
The Southfield Downtown Development Authority works to encourage redevelopment, support business activity, strengthen community connections and create an active, welcoming and investment-ready Historic Cornerstone District.

For more information, please contact:

Molly LaLone
Executive Director
Southfield Downtown Development Authority
248-796-5192
[email protected]

Mayor’s Office
City of Southfield
(248) 796-5100
[email protected]