Secret Media Network is officially launching its inaugural SMN100 list of the 100 most impactful people around the nation impacting how we operate in our free time.
That being said, it is a pleasure to announce that these icons from Detroit’s art scene have been selected to be featured on the first-ever SMN100 list in the Arts & Culture category!
What is the SMN100, and how is it significant?
The SMN100 uses Secret Media Network’s hyperlocal presence across a handful of the country’s cities, including NYC, LA, Chicago to identify the 100 most impactful entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators in the United States.
The SMN100, unlike most national rankings you may be familiar with, has a focus on hyperlocal influence, which means that local artists reinventing small neighborhoods right here in Detroit stand to have as much of a chance of recognition as celebrity creators or all-star athletes!
How the SMN100 is structured?
Each of the top 100 entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators featured on the SMN100 fits into one of the following four categories:
- Arts & Culture – Those recognized in this category have been able to impact the perspective of others through their works of art, humanitarian efforts, or even inspiring words.
- Experiential & Sport – Whether it be an all-star athlete, an up-and-coming producer, or even the architects or engineers behind some of the nation’s newest experiences, this category is meant for anyone we consider to be ‘changing the game‘.
- Food & Drink – Specific to the tastemakers out there, from the kitchens of Michelin-Star restaurants to the home of TikTok chefs whose recipes racked up millions of views, this category is meant for those who inspired others to create with imagination and flair.
- Pioneers – A category for those who break barriers and challenge the status quo, these trailblazers go above and beyond to lead from the front so that others can follow in their wake.
Detroiters claiming a spot on the first-ever SMN100
Detroit has the pleasure of recognizing a few locals whose work and contributions to the ‘Arts & Culture’ of Detroit have earned them a spot on Secret Media Network’s list of the nation’s top innovators!
Tyree Guyton- Founding artist of the Heidelberg Project
Credit: Heidelberg Archives
If you are unfamiliar with Tyree Guyton’s work, he is the founding artist of one of Detroit’s most famous art attractions, The Heidelberg Project in Detroit’s McDougall-Hunt neighborhood.
The outdoor art project, which has constantly evolved since being founded 38 years ago by Guyton in 1986, faced countless setbacks, hindrances, and obstacles throughout its history, including city-backed demolitions of artwork and even a string of arson attacks. Despite the project facing adversity in the form of city government demolitions and repeated cases of arson, The Heidelberg Project’s persistence through Tyree Guyton personified Detroit’s determination and resilience.
Through it all, Tyree Guyton has prioritized the growth and betterment of his community, implementing youth programs and providing much-needed support to the next generation of artists from urban Detroit.
Tyree’s lifetime of effort and persistence in this project and his positive impact on the local community earned him his spot on the SMN100.
Anthony and JJ Curis – Co-founders of Little Village Detroit
Credit: @ Kylejpowell
Married couple Anthony and JJ Curis are well-known in Michigan for their passion for revitalizing spaces and fostering community engagement through culture, the arts, and food.
In 2024, the couple and co-founders of the Library Street Collective officially opened Little Village Detroit as a cultural hub dedicated to fostering community engagements centered around the arts.
The 3.5-acre site includes:
- A renovated late 19th / early 20th-century church that has been restored as a cultural arts center called “The Shepherd” featuring gallery spaces, a public library, and areas for performances and community workshops.
- A massive public skate park.
- An outdoor sculpture garden dedicated to the late artist Charles McGee.
- A fully operational bar, a boutique bed-and-breakfast, and two restaurants.
- Office space for non-profit organizations.
The project has successfully given local artists an inclusive haven that encourages regular interaction between locals, primarily centered around art and culture!
By accomplishing their goal to expand Detroit’s renaissance beyond Downtown and positively impacting the local community, Anthony & JJ Curis were easy selections for the inaugural SMN100.