Stewarding Detroit’s Cultural Center: Place and Civic Collaboration

A Placemaking Week panel on cultural districts, civic collaboration, and the future of Detroit’s Cultural Center.
About this Event

Join the Detroit Cultural Center Association for a Placemaking Week Detroit side event exploring the role of cultural districts in shaping vibrant, connected, and resilient cities.

This panel conversation will focus on Detroit’s Cultural Center in local, national, and global context, and how dedicated cultural district organizations can help align institutions, infrastructure, investment, programming, and public space stewardship.
This dialogue will be held in the newly renovated Penske Planetarium which features 8K digital projection, 5.1 digital surround sound, inclined seats, and a seamless dome at the Michigan Science Center.

Featured Speakers:

Gregorio Lucena Scarpella is Director of the Global Cultural Districts Network, where he works with cultural districts around the world to share best practices, research, and strategies for strengthening cultural places.
Dr. Christian Greer is President and CEO of the Michigan Science Center, where he leads one of the nation’s recognized STEM learning institutions. With more than 30 years of experience in science education, museums, and community engagement, he has held leadership roles at institutions including the Chicago Architecture Center, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Saint Louis Science Center.

Annmarie Borucki is Interim Executive Director of the Detroit Cultural Center Association and Project Director of the Cultural Center Planning Initiative, a district-wide effort to strengthen public space, connectivity, infrastructure, visitor experience, and collaboration across Detroit’s Cultural Center.

Tom Sherry of 313 Creative will moderate the conversation. Tom is a Detroit-based architect, strategist and creative consultant who works with civic, cultural, and nonprofit organizations on storytelling, positioning, and place-based initiatives.

Following the panel, guests are invited to continue the conversation over drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and networking.

This event is part of the official Placemaking Week Detroit program.