Pensole Lewis Detroit has partnered with the Detroit Pistons, Stackwell, Reebok, and Microsoft for the second annual MARTK’D “Art on Sneaker” Invitational. A three-week competition starting March 9 and ending March 23, 2024.
This initiative gives forty of Detroit’s high school artists an opportunity to design sneakers in a real-time design challenge, supplying participants with a white sneaker to transform in 45 minutes.
Pensole Lewis Detroit (PLC Detroit), the only design-focused HBCU in Detroit, MI, will host a one-day Art and Color Design workshop and select ten finalists to advance. Out of the ten finalists, Reebok will produce Art on Sneakers for three artists.
“MARTK’D is about much more than art and sneakers; it’s about providing access to new career possibilities many don’t know exist,” said Dion Walcott, PLC Detroit’s Director of Partnerships and Founder of MARTK’D. “Partnering with PLC, the Pistons, Reebok, Microsoft and Stackwell is a perfect example of how major brands and corporations can work together to engage creative communities in meaningful ways.”
On March 23, 2024, the students’ final presentations and selection of winners will take place at PLC Detroit.
About MARTK’D
Since its establishment in 2013, MARTK’D has developed initiatives and collaborations globally, aiming to grant artists opportunities to exhibit their skills and increase visibility. What originated as a love for sneakers has evolved into a platform welcoming artists from diverse backgrounds, offering exposure, networking, and career prospects.
About Detroit Pistons
The team has accumulated over 2,500 regular-season and playoff victories, clinching three NBA Championships (1989, 1990, 2004), appearing in five NBA Finals (1988, 1989, 1990, 2004, 2005), and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals eleven times. In October 2019, they introduced the new Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, located in the New Center area, functioning as the team’s practice facility and corporate headquarters. Since Michigan native Tom Gores acquired the team in 2011, the organization has prioritized community engagement while fostering a culture of innovation and forward-thinking leadership.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT @microsoft) drives digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and intelligent edge. Their mission is to empower every individual and organization worldwide to achieve more. For more information, visit aka.ms/nonprofits.
About Stackwell
Stackwell Capital, Inc., is a prominent fintech company specializing in a digital investment platform tailored for the Black community. Their mission is to eradicate the racial wealth gap in America by furnishing the financial investment tools and guidance essential for fostering enduring wealth, equity, and equal opportunity. Stackwell has developed a unique ecosystem of strategic partners in financial services, higher education, and professional sports and created an ever-growing NIL student-athlete ambassador program. Stackwell was a member of the 2022 Financial Solutions Lab and MassChallenge U.S. Early-Stage accelerator programs. For more information, visit stackwellcapital.com.
About Reebok
Reebok, an iconic and unconventional sports culture brand, boasts a profound fitness legacy dating back to 1895. Pioneering athletic footwear, which revolutionized sports, Reebok remains committed to introducing innovations that drive the industry forward. Presently, Reebok stands at the nexus of active lifestyle and sport, delivering contemporary and high-quality styles suitable for any occasion.The brand strives to deliver to every athlete, from professionals to enthusiasts, the opportunity, products, and inspiration to reach their full potential. Reebok currently operates in 80 countries and has approximately 400 freestanding stores around the world. For more information, visit Reebok.com.
A video of last year’s winner’s reactions can be found here.
Event Schedule
- 3/9/24: High school Invitational; 12 PM – 4 PM. Location: Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center (Brinker Family Loft) 6201 2nd Ave., Detroit, MI 48226, Pistons
- 3/16/24: Virtual art & storytelling workshop
- 3/23/24: Student final presentations and selection of winners; 12 PM–4 PM. Location: PLC Detroit, 200 Walker St.
Published by: Holy Minoza
