ArtLab J transforms lives through the arts.
Mission
ArtLab J fosters creative and holistic thinking through the arts, offering opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to grow in confidence by engaging directly in creative process. By integrating dance, music, and arts, we provide immersive education that equips participants with adaptability and collaborative skills needed in an AI-driven, interconnected world. Our mission is to inspire personal growth, connect diverse stories and cultures, and build meaningful communities through the transformative power of the arts.
About ArtLab J
Founded in 2012 by Artistic Director Joori Jung, ArtLab J is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to offering innovative and interdisciplinary arts education and creation. By combining dance, music, and arts, we encourage participants to explore their creativity, critical thinking, and confidence through direct involvement in creative processes and performance experiences.
ArtLab J’s programs go beyond traditional learning, allowing participants to engage in the creation of performances and projects, fostering problem-solving abilities and self-assurance. Our approach prepares individuals to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the AI era actively and confidently.
Key Initiatives:
• Integrated Arts Education: Programs that combine dance, music, and arts to cultivate creative problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Creation-Focused Learning: Opportunities for participants to gain hands-on experience in stage production and project creation, nurturing artistic skills and confidence.
• Future-Oriented Programs: Education emphasizing adaptability and interdisciplinary thinking for an AI-driven world.
• Community Engagement: Outreach and performance programs that celebrate cultural diversity and connect communities.
• Performance Opportunities: Platforms for showcasing innovative and collaborative works that transcend traditional artistic boundaries.
ArtLab J believes in empowering individuals to discover their unique artistic voices through creation and collaboration, connecting generations and cultures through the transformative power of the arts to shape a better future.
ArtLab J History (Since 2012)
2012
Founded in Detroit, Michigan, with a mission to connect communities through dance and the arts.
Launched the Detroit Dance Race, a performance series uplifting local talent.
2013
Established the Detroit Dance City Festival (DDCF), a landmark platform for local and national contemporary dance artists.
2014
Received the Knight Arts Challenge, expanding DDCF into an international festival and launching artist residencies.
Performed Revival through Dance and People at the Detroit Opera House as a TEDx Fellow.
Published Moving with Detroit, an independent dance magazine.
2015
Embarked on our first international tour to South Korea; premiered No Right Answer at New Dance for Asia.
Launched the Detroit Revival Project to spark artistic collaboration across the city.
Created the Detroit Dance Scholarship Summit to empower youth through dance education.
2016
Performed No Right Answer in Poland at the Zawirowania Dance Theater Festival.
Delivered guest lectures on careers in professional dance at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.
Curated a six-month performance series for the Detroit Institute of Arts’s Dance! American Art 1830–1960 exhibition.
Hosted the Metro Detroit Dance Teacher Summit.
Collaborated with pianist Ivan Moshchuk for a live performance at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Launched ArtLab J for Grownups, an inclusive dance program welcoming all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
2017
Formed an official community partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts to expand DDCF programming.
2018
Produced Move in the Cube, a multidisciplinary community dance and visual arts event supported by the DIA.
Began festival exchange programs with South Korea and New York.
2019
Selected for Co.Act Detroit’s Earned Revenue Accelerator Program, strengthening our nonprofit sustainability.
Partnered with the Detroit Public Library to provide free children’s dance classes.
Hosted kids’ dance camps at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Opened our dedicated Detroit Dance Studio.
2020
Launched Creative Thinkers and Movers, a youth creativity and movement program.
Developed Alone Not Lonely, a virtual performance platform supporting artists during the pandemic.
Collaborated with Detroit Pistons Supporters to host outdoor dance classes.
2021
Awarded Huron Capital funding to provide summer dance scholarships to low-income youth.
Produced an anti-hate campaign video “Home away from home” with the support of the Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission.
Partnered with artist Mike Han to launch a scholarship and cultural awareness initiative celebrating Korean heritage.
Recipient of the Bridging the Gap Rapid Response Grant to provide free after-school programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022
Signed an MOU with Detroit Public Schools to implement a Korean culture education program using K-POP dance.
Hosted Dance & Art Day, a family-friendly event supported by CHROMA.
Expanded our international presence with performances and lectures at Linz University in Austria.
2023
Launched a Garden Event Series celebrating diverse Asian cultures, funded by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
Premiered Objects at Play in collaboration with the Detroit Puppet Company, supported by the DIA.
Performed and taught K-POP at Oakland University’s K-Entrepreneurship events.
2024
Initiated a festival exchange with Puerto Rico.
Opened a new studio in Troy, Michigan, increasing our reach in the region.
Hosted Detroit’s first K-POP Dance Contest.
Presented Michigan’s first official K-POP stage at Concert of Colors.
Embarked on an international tour of Korea—performing in Busan, Daejeon, and Ilsan and leading masterclasses at Kyung Hee University, Chungnam National University, and Seoul Institute of the Arts.
K-POP Dance Team performed at the Holland International Festival.
Presented a special performance at the DIA for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Secured major sponsorship from Samsung America to expand K-POP dance programming.
2025
Transformed Detroit Dance City Festival into a national event, with new editions in New York and Chicago.
Expanded the K-POP Dance Contest to Detroit, New York, and Chicago regional competitions.
Brought Creative Thinkers and Movers to Ferndale Upper Elementary School.