Author

Layla McMurtrie

Layla McMurtrie is a Detroit-based journalist covering arts, culture, and community. Her work highlights local creatives, nonprofits, and grassroots initiatives shaping the city. Aside from writing, she is the co-founder of The Vision Detroit, an arts nonprofit that provides young local artists with accessible creative events and opportunities. She also hosts Tell A Vision, a podcast for The Vision Detroit that spotlights Detroit artists. Her work has appeared in Metro Times, Between the Lines/Pride Source, Detroit Free Press, and other Michigan publications.

Layla McMurtrie's Latest Articles

Thumb Art Spark initiative connects artists, communities, and businesses ahead of 2027 public art celebration

Planned for September 2027, the Thumb Art Spark Celebration will bring communities across the region to highlight existing public art, showcase new projects, and give residents and visitors new ways to explore the places where they live.

Creativity and community come together at Farmington’s new Art Park Promenade

Farmington’s Art Park Promenade connects Riley Park with the Hillside Townes development through a pedestrian-friendly space filled with landscaping, seating, and public art.

Yale’s Heart & Soul Project puts residents at the center of community planning

For the past year, volunteers in Yale have been collecting stories and ideas from residents that organizers hope will eventually shape future community priorities.

Ferndale’s newest coffee shop, Honey Dirt, feels like your friend’s basement — and that’s exactly what the owner wants

Honey Dirt Coffee aspires to become a place where local artists and makers can gain exposure through rotating displays and installations.

Downtown Farmington launches retail incubator to help small businesses test the leap into storefronts

The Farmington Downtown Development Authority has launched a retail incubator that gives emerging businesses access to a storefront through 90-day residencies.

Little Liberia builds home, culture and community in Detroit’s East English Village

Through a decade of persistence, Ameneh Marhaba has grown her 2016 pop-up to a full brick-and-mortar.

From Code to Creation: LTU students and alumni bring games to life

As LTUX approaches on April 4, creators at different stages come together to showcase their work, navigate challenges, and turn ideas into playable worlds.

Aaron and Kristin Reznik
Wixom’s West End Commons project, launching this Spring is empowering downtown and expanding the city’s social district

As West End Commons prepares to break ground, Wixom’s social district continues to serve as both an economic tool and a community bridge.

These 3 Pontiac initiatives are igniting citywide momentum

In Pontiac, a series of ambitious community-driven initiatives is redefining what local revitalization looks like.

Detroit’s community development leaders, friends and champions celebrate collaboration, progress

Detroit’s CDO VIP Expo brought together community development organizations from across the city to celebrate their collective impact and deepen collaboration through the Detroit 21 network.

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