Local literary arts organization showcasing youth poetry on billboards
InsideOut partnered with Detroit-based creative agency @lafayetteamerican to erect billboards throughout the city. Catch them all this April!
InsideOut Literary Arts, Detroit’s largest and longest-running literary arts education organization, is marking its 30th anniversary with a citywide billboard campaign featuring poetry by Detroit youth.
The campaign, which launched during National Poetry Month, kicks off a year of events and programming celebrating the creative impact of InsideOut’s legacy in classrooms and communities across the city.
InsideOut student poems are now on display across Detroit, transforming everyday public spaces into platforms for creative expression.
From major intersections to neighborhood corridors, the campaign invites residents to engage with youth voice in bold and unexpected ways.
Gateway to confidence, connection
“For 30 years, we’ve used poetry as a gateway to confidence, critical thinking, and connection,” said Suma Karaman Rosen, Executive Director of InsideOut Literary Arts.
“This campaign elevates the voices of Detroit youth and reminds us all that their ideas and creativity matter. We hope that everyone who sees a billboard will be inspired and delighted by the compelling and sometimes humorous insights of our young people.”
Founded in 1995, InsideOut has reached 80,000 students through school-based residencies, after-school programs, and public performances.
Today, the organization serves more than 3,000 students annually across nearly 40 metro Detroit schools, helping youth discover the power of their voices through creative writing and mentorship from professional writers.
Cool collaboration
The billboard campaign was developed with creative support from Lafayette American, a partner aligned with InsideOut’s mission to make youth voices more visible in the fabric of city life.
“This is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Detroit’s creativity,” said Toby Barlow, CEO of Lafayette American.
“Thirty years deserves 30 billboards; but more importantly, these billboards send a message to Detroit’s kids: You’re worth celebrating, and your ideas deserve to be seen. That kind of visibility can really make an impact. I haven’t seen another city do something quite like this.”
The 30th anniversary celebration will continue throughout 2025, culminating in a signature anniversary event on Saturday, Oct. 25. The evening will feature performances, community reflections, and creative activations that honor the voices and stories that have shaped InsideOut’s legacy.
For more information and to follow anniversary updates, visit insideoutdetroit.org.
