Detroit Institute of Arts seeks dismissal of lawsuit over van Gogh painting
The Detroit Institute of Arts, which has been displaying a 1888 painting by Vincent van Gogh as part of a showing of 80 of his works, said it shouldn’t be pulled into a dispute over ownership of the multimillion-dollar artwork.
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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.
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Beloved Detroit artist Shirley Woodson selected as 2021 Kresge Eminent Artist
DETROIT – A Detroit artist received one of the cities most coveted cultural prizes. Shirley Woodson has dedicated decades to her art and developing opportunities for other Black artists. READ: Detroit artists design custom Vans shoes for Black History MonthWoodson said she was out having a cup of coffee when she got the unforgettable phone call that she had been selected as the 2021 Kresge Eminent Artist. READ: ‘Black Art Library’ exhibit at MOCAD celebrates work of artists through booksAdWoodson’s paintings and collages reflect the stories of her ancestors and the city she loves. “Don’t step back, step up, and believe in yourself, and believe in what you’re doing is a value.
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Detroit to install free outdoor wifi in Cultural Center with $500K Knight Foundation grant
DETROIT – The Knight Foundation has awarded Detroit’s Cultural Center Planning Initiative a $500K grant to help implement a digital strategy that includes free, outdoor public wifi. Digital Visitor Experiences Develop a new brand and website for the Cultural Center that reinforces it as a significant destination, online and offline. About the Cultural Center Planning Initiative (CCPI)The Cultural Center Planning Initiative (CCPI) is a bold reimagining of the City of Detroit’s 83-acre anchor cultural district. The Cultural Center Planning Initiative (CCPI) design team, Agence Ter-Akoaki LLC, is an international collaborative of designers led jointly by Paris, France-based Agence Ter and Detroit-based Akoaki. Their project, Detroit Square, highlights the importance of shared cultural infrastructure for Detroit’s Cultural Center.
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DPSCD, DIA Launch 83rd annual DPSCD Student Exhibition virtually
DETROIT – Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) announced today, hundreds of students’ imaginative works will be showcased virtually through the 83rd Annual DPSCD Student Exhibition in partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) from May 18 – June 26, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts exhibition, traditionally hosted in a DIA gallery, has launched through a video featuring the artwork of students in grades K-12, for the first time in history. “The Annual DPSCD Student Exhibition is a legacy that has lifted our students up and given them a voice. “Despite these uncertain times, we have worked together as we always have to uphold this tradition where Detroit students are recognized for their talents and pursuits. We look forward to the online display of this year’s creativity and invite the community to enjoy the work of these emerging artists.”The 83rd Annual DPSCD Student Exhibition is made possible with support from the Ruth T. T. Cattell Education Endowment Fund.
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DIA offers online version of ‘Thursdays at the Museum’ amid closures
Published: May 14, 2020, 10:42 amDETROIT – The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) has moved its “Thursdays at the Museum” program online due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. MORE: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand as of Thursday morningThe art museum has been closed since March due to the state’s stay-at-home order. “Thursdays at the Museum” curates content for local residents who are 55-years-old and older. Interested individuals can experience the live program at 1 p.m. every Thursday on the museum’s website. MORE: Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates MuseumWeek’s theme of ‘togetherness’ with unity video
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Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates MuseumWeek’s theme of ‘togetherness’ with unity video
DETROIT – Employees of The Detroit Institute of Arts released a video celebrating visitors of the museum. Employees who are working from home and on-site helped make the video. MuseumWeek is a cultural event featuring museum’s from more than 100 countries on social media. This year’s theme is “togetherness” and Wednesday’s hashtag is #togetherMW. Watch the video below:
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All 3 counties approve Detroit Institute of Arts millage renewal
Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties voted to approve a millage renewal for the Detroit Institute of Arts on March 10, 2020. The renewal passed with overwhelming support in all three counties. The millage was first approved by voters in August 2012, which included a 0.2 millage (property tax) to fund the Detroit Institute of Arts. The DIA entered into service agreements with each county’s Art Authority to provide these benefits to county residents:Free unlimited general museum admissionDiscounted special exhibition ticketsFree school field trips with free bus transportationFree group visits for seniors on Thursdays, with exclusive programs, and free bus transportationExpanded teacher professional development programsCurriculum development with school systemsExpanded community partnershipsFind the latest election results and news here.
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Michigan election results for Oakland County on March 10, 2020
The Michigan Presidential Primary Election is on March 10. You can find results for Oakland County races here. Voters are deciding on U.S. President, along with other issues including renewal of the Detroit Institute of Arts millage, bond and millages for schools, fire departments and police departments, and more. Use the list below to find the specific election results you’re looking for. Michigan Statewide Presidential Primary races:Detroit Institute of Arts millage renewal:Oakland County results:
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Explore history of collecting of African American art in Detroit at DIA
DETROIT – An amazing exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts explores the rich history of collecting African American art in Detroit. “Detroit Collects: Selections of African American Art from Private Collections" runs through March 15, 2020, at the DIA. The exhibition will demonstrate local collectors’ interest in the diverse media, styles, genres, influences and subject matter that inspired them to collect art created by African Americans. Learn more about Detroit Collects here. Watch Alex Atwell’s Uniquely Detroit feature story in the video player above.
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Waiting for a Michigan driver’s license? Enjoy a Van Gogh
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Some fine art with your license plate? A dozen secretary of state offices in the Detroit area are displaying reproductions of paintings, thanks to a partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said most people need to visit a branch office at some point. Twenty-five pieces can be seen at 12 branch offices in Macomb, Wayne and Oakland counties. They include Henri Matisse's “The Window,” Vincent Van Gogh's “Self Portrait” and “Savoy Ballroom” by Reginald Marsh.
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‘The DIA is an education leader’: Officials endorse Detroit Institute of Arts millage renewal
DETROIT – A 0.2 mil renewal request from the Detroit Institute of Arts will be on the March 2020 ballot for people who live in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Officials from those counties have announced their support for the millage renewal. Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel have endorsed the renewal. “They have done an excellent job bringing artwork to Oakland County and facilitating more visits to the museum. “Thanks to this millage, the DIA provides Wayne County residents — including students and seniors — with free admission as well as free bus transportation for school groups.
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Restoring a masterpiece: DIA taking steps to preserve canvas
DETROIT – This week at the Detroit Institute of Arts a masterpiece is getting ready for a big move. A decades-old canvas is showing signs of aging and needs special preparation. Watch the video above for an inside look at the intricate process.
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Everything you need to know about 2019 Noel Night in Detroit’s Midtown
DETROIT – Each year for the past 46 years, Noel Night has descended upon Midtown and blessed our holiday season with horse-drawn carriages, hot chocolate, roasted almonds and magic shows. Midtown Detroit Inc., which organizes Noel Night each year, announced new daytime hours last year, a measure put in place after four teenagers were shot during Noel Night in 2017. Hours for the event are split 1-7 p.m. north of Warren Avenue and 5-10 p.m. south of Warren Avenue. At nearly eighty years old, Ural Thomas is a hot soul shouter and velvety-smooth crooner from Portland, Oregon. (9 p.m.)For a complete list of performances and exhibits to check out tomorrow click here.
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Some voters will see millage renewal request from Detroit Institute of Arts on March 2020 ballot
DETROIT – A 0.2 mil renewal request from the Detroit Institute of Arts will be on the March 2020 ballot for people who live in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Back in 2012, with Detroit heading into bankruptcy within a year, the voters were asked for that millage. In return, voters were told it would be a one time ask and in return for passage residents in all three counties would be entitled to free admission to the museum. That is why, in a tactical move, the DIA will be asking for a 0.2 mil renewal before it runs out in the March 2020 primary election. So far, there has been no organized opposition to the millage request and the museum has built up considerable goodwill with the art authorities in all three counties.
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ClickOnDetroit Morning Briefing -- Nov. 10, 2019
Michigan is in the middle of a liquor shortage right before the winter holiday season. Here’s how the shortage is impacting bars, restaurants and customers. Today’s episode will feature a discussion on the ongoing battle over Michigan’s budget and proposed millage renewal for the Detroit Institute of Arts. International News Headlines

Here's how you can meet your new best friend at the DIA!
This article is sponsored by the Mike Morse Law Firm. Make a visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts this Sunday and you could wind up meeting a new best friend! The Michigan Humane Society is joining forces with the DIA for their "Meet Your Best Friend at the Museum" event. If you would like to adopt her, our partners at the Mike Morse Law Firm will cover her standard adoption fees. The Mike Morse Law Firm wants to help you if you need legal help.
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From the vault: ‘Art in the Center’ from 1974 about CCS
Most classrooms have paper, notebooks and rulers, but the students at the Art School of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts don’t use these items for calculus and economics. Instead, students here are taught to draw with a pencil, work with clay on a ceramic wheel and showcase their creativity through a camera lens.
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From the Vault: ‘Art in the Center’ of Detroit from 1974 about CCS
Most classrooms have paper, notebooks and rulers, but the students at the Art School of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts don’t use these items for calculus and economics. Instead, students here are taught to draw with a pencil, work with clay on a ceramic wheel and showcase their creativity through a camera lens.
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Where is Detroit Zoo, DIA tax money really going?
ROYAL OAK, Mich. – When Metro Detroiters pay taxes for things such as the Detroit Zoo and Detroit Institute of Arts, some local governments have been keeping a piece of the cash collected. When the Detroit Zoo millage passed four years ago, and when the DIA millage passed this past November, the assumption was all the money would go to those institutions. That's money the county collects to pay the tax to fund the Zoo. "Over the years this has amounted to approximately $600,000 that has been withheld from the Zoological Society," the ZSA said. Taylor takes the most money from the Zoo tax.