MARTK’D ‘Art on Sneaker’ Invitational: Where Detroit Youth’s Sneaker Artistry Meets Industry Giants

Artist Weekly Staff

Pensole Lewis Detroit has partnered with the Detroit Pistons, Stackwell, Reebok and Microsoft for the 2nd annual MARTK’D “Art on Sneaker” Invitational starting March 9, 2024, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center.

An initiative to give 40 of Detroit’s high school artists an opportunity to design sneakers in a real-time design challenge, participants are supplied with a white sneaker to be transformed in 45 minutes.

10 finalists will be selected to advance to a one-day Art and Color Design workshop hosted by Pensole Lewis Detroit (PLC Detroit), the only design-focused HBCU in Detroit, MI. Of the 10 finalists, three artists will be selected to have their Art on Sneakers produced by Reebok.

“MARTK’D is about much more than art and sneakers; it’s about providing access to new career possibilities many don’t know exist,” said Dion Walcott, PLC Detroit’s Director of Partnerships and Founder of MARTK’D. “Partnering with PLC, the Pistons, Reebok, Microsoft and Stackwell is a perfect example of how major brands and corporations can work together to engage creative communities in meaningful ways.”

The students’ final presentations and selection of winners will take place at PLC Detroit.

About MARTK’D

Since MARTK’D inception in 2013, the brand has created programs and partnerships internationally with the mission of providing access and awareness to artists to showcase their talent. What started as a passion for sneakers has grown to become a community for artists from all walks of life to get exposure, build networks and access career opportunities

About Detroit Pistons

Since their arrival in 1957, the Detroit Pistons have become one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. With over 2,500 regular-season and playoff victories, the club has celebrated three NBA Championships (1989, 1990, 2004), five NBA Finals appearances (1988, 1989, 1990, 2004, 2005) and 11 Eastern Conference Finals appearances. In October 2019, the club opened the new Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center located in the New Center area, a campus that serves as the organization’s practice facility and corporate headquarters. Since its purchase by Michigan native Tom Gores in 2011, the organization has focused on operating as a community asset while promoting a culture of innovation and industry-leading thought.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. For more information, visit aka.ms/nonprofits

About Stackwell

Stackwell Capital, Inc., is a leading fintech company that has created a digital investment platform for the Black community. With a mission to eliminate the racial wealth gap in America, Stackwell provides the financial investment tools and guidance necessary to help build lasting wealth, equity, and equal opportunity. Stackwell has developed a unique ecosystem of strategic partners in financial services, higher education, and professional sports and created an ever-growing NIL student-athlete ambassador program. Stackwell was a member of the 2022 Financial Solutions Lab and MassChallenge U.S. Early-Stage accelerator programs. For more information, visit stackwellcapital.com

About Reebok

Reebok is an iconic and irreverent sports culture brand with a rich and storied fitness heritage dating back to 1895. Founded on athletic footwear that changed the direction of sport, Reebok continues to introduce innovations that propel the industry forward. Today, Reebok sits at the intersection of active lifestyle and sport, offering high-quality and modern styles that are adaptable for every occasion. The brand strives to deliver every athlete, from professionals to enthusiasts, with the opportunity, products and inspiration to reach their full potential. Reebok currently operates in 80 countries with approximately 400 freestanding stores around the world. For more information, visit Reebok.com or, for the latest news, at News.Reebok.com. Discover Reebok on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

A video of last year’s winner’s reactions can be found here