Allegations of sexism, racism at Detroit Institute of Arts surface in new recordings
DETROIT – Officials with the Detroit Institute of Arts are vowing to make changes after newly-released recordings have captured what employees call a toxic work environment. The audio recordings are between two officials at the DIA and their attorneys -- tasked with investigating allegations of racism, sexism and retaliation against DIA director Salvador Salort-Pons. The recording were taking during an April board meeting with investigators detailing a toxic work environment -- particularly for women. The law firm found women were five times more likely to leave than men and the women who did stay were not valued as much as their male counterparts. In the months since, the DIA has taken important steps toward a workplace that fully embodies fairness, inclusion, consistency and respect.
‘Black Art Library’ exhibit at MOCAD celebrates work of artists through books
DETROIT – A new exhibit at Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is celebrating the work of Black artists through books. “I love Black art. I love art books and my background is in art education,” said Asmaa Walton. “A large part of exhibit is inviting people to appreciate Black art.”Walton called the collection Black Art Library. The Black Art Library runs until April 18 at MOCAD with strict social distancing guidelines in place.
Mosaic Youth Theatre introduces young Detroiters to the performing arts
More often than not, the arts are the first thing cut, but one program in Detroit has solved that budget problem. The Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit on Antietam Avenue has educated an estimated 10,000 young people since it was founded. National philanthropic organization The Lewis Prize for Music awarded three grants in 2021 to support the arts for young people. Competing against hundreds of programs across the country, the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit earned a $500,000 grant spread over the next three years. More information on the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit can be found on its official website here.
City of Detroit showcases artists as kickoff to Black History Month
DETROIT – The arts in Detroit are getting a big boost of exposure Monday. The city is launching a year-long program called “UNDEFEATED.” It aims to showcase artists of every genre and every background. I want people to understand that Black history is a part of everything else. They’re going to see Black artists and Black musicians alongside white artists, Indian artists, Arabic artists and then we can understand that it’s not just about one thing,” Riley said. More: Black History Month stories
Detroit artist’s sculpture of Rosa Parks featured in Biden’s Oval Office
The Oval Office of the White House is newly redecorated for the first day of President Joe Biden's administration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington, including a bust of civil rights leader Rosa Parks. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)DETROIT – A Detroit artist’s work has been chosen to be prominently featured in President Joe Biden’s Oval Office. Related: Cesar Chavez’s son happy dad’s bust is in Biden Oval OfficeA bust of civil rights figure Rosa Parks, made by Detroiter Artis Lane, is one of the new pieces of art decorating the Oval Office. Lane said she’s honored that one of her sculptures has been included in the Oval Office. Lane’s portrait and sculpture work includes Nelson Mandela, 40th President Ronald Reagan, 45th President Barrack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and more.