Detroit Public TV presents a very special celebration of the very best performers and creators our city has to offer – and a tribute to the Kresge Art in Detroit program. Catch the excitement of 10 Years of Kresge Artists on Friday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. on DPTV (56.1).

There are few honors more prestigious in Detroit’s creative community than being recognized by the Kresge Art in Detroit program. It is a rare badge of distinction and a welcome source of support.

In its 10th year, Kresge has honored some of the greatest artists in Detroit, some venerable and some emerging.  Now, we have the rare privilege of viewing stirring performances by many of these creative souls.

This evening, Detroit Public TV will present highlights of a special 10 year celebration of “Kresge Honors,” held at the Jack White Theatre in late January. Hosted by Rip Rapson, president and CEO of the Kresge Foundation, it features performances honoring some of Detroit’s most prominent artists including Leni Sinclair, Ruth Adler, Charles McGee and others.

Spoken word artist Mike Ellison, singer Joan Belgrave, filmmaker Harvey Ovshinsky and soprano Angela Theis deliver live, unforgettable appreciations of Kresge honorees – many of whom are in the audience.

There are also moving tributes to the late Marcus Belgrave and David DiChiera, individuals who had such a profound impact on music and our city.

Since 2008, Kresge Arts in Detroit has recognized 180 Kresge Artist Fellows with $25,000 awards, 10 Gilda Award recipients with $5,000 awards and 10 Kresge Eminent Artists with $50,000 awards, for a total of more than $5 million.

Kresge Arts is a big deal in this city. Friday night you will see why.