Big Sean and Usher announce $1 million Detroit investment
Big Sean and Usher are giving back to the youth with a new $1 million investment in Detroit.
The two artists are launching the Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator, an entertainment production facility in the Michigan Central Boys and Girls Club, for those aged between 14 and 24.
Through Usher’s New Look and Big Sean’s Sean Anderson Foundation, the facility will include a virtual production studio, special effects lab, and creators’ lounge.
Sean shared a statement about the investment as someone who was born and raised in Detroit.
“Detroit is where my creativity was born,” he said. “From freestyling in my mom’s basement to performing on the biggest stages in the world. My mission has always been to make sure the next generation of dreamers and innovators from my city have the access, tools, and mentorship to do the same.”
He added, “The Innovation Incubator is about showing young people that they don’t have to leave Detroit to chase opportunity; they can build it right here.”
Usher also spoke about providing opportunities to children when he didn’t have many facilities available to him growing up.
“I’ve always been a true believer in igniting a spark in the next generation to be better and have access to things we didn’t,” he said. “This new Spark Lab in Detroit with my friend and fellow Boys and Girls Club alum Big Sean will not only minimise the access gap for the youth but also prepare them for greatness.”
He continued, “It takes just one person to believe in your success, and I’m honoured to be one of many in this partnership to help make that happen.”
Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School are also on board as partners to help potential careers in music, film, TV, AI and special effects.