What Role Will The Arts Play In Detroit's Comeback?

DETROIT (WWJ) - The arts will play a huge role in Detroit's recovery. At least, that's the belief of a couple of local photographers.

Over the weekend, photographer Walt Miller teamed up with colleague Frank Gregory to put on their first annual "Faces and Places Photo Exhibit" at Union Street in Detroit's Midtown. Gregory told WWJ's City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas that he believes the arts could play a major role in the city's comeback.

"I think the arts gonna be very important because I was at a art gallery Friday night and it was full," Gregory said. "From the front door to the back door, so people are still interested in the arts."

"It should be because one of the things we do is we photograph a lot of events that involve live entertainment," Miller said. "And music is the most available, yet unavailed-of resource here in the city of Detroit. Our music scene is huge, but it is not embraced by the business society like it should be.

"It's poised to play a great big part in Detroit's comeback," Miller went on to say. "Right now, there should be places where you can go in to see a Motor City or Motown-type revue. The entrepreneurs just haven't stepped up yet, but I feel it's coming."