AXD is a successor to the biennial Art X Detroit festivals, which presented the work of Kresge Artist Fellows largely in spaces located in Midtown from 2011 to 2015. The 22 AXD commissions presented from June 2019 through February 2020 challenged artists to create exhibitions, performances and events that reflect the significance, ambiguity, resilience and uncertainty of this contemporary moment under the curatorial banner of Living X. The projects reflected on Detroit’s legacy and evolutions throughout the city, while examining what it means to be both artists and residents of Detroit at this transformative moment.

AXD is managed by Detroit-based rootoftwo, the creative studio known for engaging in civic future-making projects and works in the public realm. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota talks with Cézanne Charles, curator of  AXD to find out more.