Rochelle Riley Departs Detroit for Charleston Arts Leadership Role

After 25 years of service, the acclaimed journalist and arts advocate will become Charleston's new Director of Cultural Affairs.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Rochelle Riley, a renowned journalist and arts advocate who has dedicated 25 years of service to the city of Detroit, is departing for a new role as the Director of Cultural Affairs in Charleston, South Carolina. Riley's career has been defined by her passionate commitment to amplifying voices and fostering community through the arts, first as a columnist at the Detroit Free Press and later as the head of the city's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (ACE).

Why it matters

Riley's transition marks the end of an era for Detroit, which has greatly benefited from her tireless efforts to expand the city's cultural footprint and ensure accessibility to the arts for all residents. Her work has been instrumental in shaping Detroit's identity as a global arts hub, and her departure represents a significant loss for the city's cultural landscape.

The details

During her tenure as Director of ACE, Riley focused on supporting youth creativity, promoting public art installations, preserving cultural heritage, and solidifying Detroit's reputation as a leading arts destination. She emphasized the vital role of the arts in the city's revitalization and advocated for increased funding and support for the creative arts industry, which she believes can generate significant revenue for Detroit.

  • Rochelle Riley will assume her new role as Director of Cultural Affairs for Charleston, South Carolina, on March 16, 2026.
  • Riley's annual luncheon fundraiser to support the ACE Honors initiative will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 (also known as 313 Day).

The players

Rochelle Riley

A journalist and arts advocate who has served the city of Detroit for 25 years, most recently as the head of the city's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (ACE).

Mike Duggan

The mayor of Detroit who appointed Rochelle Riley to the newly created position of Director of ACE, recognizing her unique qualifications and ability to connect with the community.

Carmen Harlan

A host of Rochelle Riley's annual luncheon fundraiser to support the ACE Honors initiative.

Huel Perkins

A host of Rochelle Riley's annual luncheon fundraiser to support the ACE Honors initiative.

Lacey Holmes

An ACE project manager who has worked closely with Rochelle Riley and is spearheading the planning for the 2026 ACE Honors celebration.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited about this new adventure, but it's also bittersweet, due to the fact that I didn't move to Detroit to stay in Detroit, but Detroit grows on you. Detroit grabs you and doesn't let you go. What we have is the longest I've lived anywhere, including as a child. It's the longest I've contributed anywhere, and I'm very proud of the work.”

— Rochelle Riley (Detroit Free Press)

“I could not have done this job as well as I did had I not been a columnist when I started. I think that Mayor (Mike) Duggan was really smart to pick somebody who was already positioned to grasp people. And it wasn't just about making sure I could beg for money – which I did – but it was to make sure that somebody credible was saying we are one of the best cities for creative arts in America.”

— Rochelle Riley (Detroit Free Press)

“This battle for creative arts funding is real, and if you treat your creative workforce the way they should be, you can turn that into something that can elevate not just your reputation as an arts city, but can raise revenue for your bottom line.”

— Rochelle Riley (Detroit Free Press)

“I just want people to know, when I got to Detroit, people swore Detroit would never rise. They understand it now. They acquire it now. I don't care where I've been around the world – 29 countries, 34 states – people are excited about Detroit, and I hope that excitement continues. I hope that it continues to rise and continues to grow. Detroit no longer needs saving. Detroit saved itself, and now It's glorious.”

— Rochelle Riley (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

The 2026 ACE Honors celebration, which recognizes artists who have dedicated 25 years or more to Detroit's fine and performing arts, is already in the planning stages, spearheaded by ACE project manager Lacey Holmes.

The takeaway

Rochelle Riley's departure from Detroit represents a significant loss for the city's cultural landscape, but her legacy will undoubtedly endure. Her tireless efforts to expand Detroit's cultural footprint, ensure accessibility to the arts, and solidify the city's identity as a global arts hub have left an indelible mark. As she embarks on her new role in Charleston, Riley's continued commitment to supporting Detroit's artists and creative community will be a testament to her unwavering dedication to the city she has called home for the past 25 years.