“Wayne State University’s Tech Town led the city’s bid for the conference. Working with a number of other local organizations, including The Heidelberg Project, Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design and WSU College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts.

The group should know in the next couple of weeks when the conference will be held, said Julie Brock, development director for Tech Town. Tech Town has hired Leslie Sobel. An independent artist from Milan and president of the Milan Area Arts Council. To help plan the conference and to expand participation of arts organizations beyond Detroit to those in other Southeast Michigan counties, Brock said.

“The conference is centered on the idea that rust belt cities are the perfect breeding ground for new artists. With low-cost living, industrial spaces and open land you can’t get in New York or (Los Angeles,)” Brock said.

“Because it’s been so successful in Cleveland the past two years. They wanted one of the other rust belt cities to take it.””