Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

This museum is more than a museum. When almost everything was closed during the Covid pandemic late summer 2020, the Detroit Institute of Arts was open for business. The staff and visitors adhered to all of the CDC regulations, but it was important for them to open as soon as it was possible.

The museum became a place of calmness as people dealt with the loss of loved ones. It was quiet, because there weren't many people inside and people could use the visit to heal. Not only did they enjoy looking at the art, but they used their visit as a reflective time. On numerous occasions, people said, 'Thank you for keeping the museum open.'

The Telegram Newspaper sat down with Salvador Salort-Pons, the Director, President & CEO of the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) to learn more about the Museum and share the information with our readers.

TN – What are two things that the community might not know about the DIA.

DIA- I don't think that the community knows that the admission to the museum is FREE to people that live in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. They have the right to come and enjoy all of the beautiful art and programs at the DIA. We are equipped with wheelchairs, motorized scooters and necessary accessibility tools for everybody to come enjoy the museum.

The second thing is that the DIA was the first museum in the United States to have a curatorial department devoted to the history of African Americans. The DIA started curating African American Art over 20 years ago. It has one of the strongest collections in the country.

TN – Are there any programs that help enlighten the community about Art?

DIA - The Inside Out Program is a perfect way to expose the community to various works of art. It extends the 'art gallery beyond the walls of the museum and brings great art into the communities. It is a positive encounter when people see art on the streets, in the parks, by the water in front of city buildings. This program has been bringing value to the place where people live. Sometimes people take tours to see the art around their city and make an day of activity. Each year, different cities have an opportunity to have an Inside Out Program in their community. The program raises awareness of the great collections that the DIA has and encourages residents to come to the DIA to see the art in the gallery.

TN - What brought you to the DIA?

DIA - I came to the DIA in 2008 as an European art curator. The DIA is one of the best museums in America. This museum has great art and it was a great place for art as a curator. I learned American Art and African American Art from other curators that worked here.

I became the Director in 2015 when the city of Detroit came out of bankruptcy. The museum became an entity with the passing of the millage that year. The museum had been owned by the City of Detroit since 1919.

In exchange for the millage that passed, we offer free admission, school programs, senior programs and community partnership programs to residents that live in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties.

TN – How do you determine what exhibits to bring to the DIA?

DIA – We have a dedicated staff that is passionate about the museum. We also have great communities in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Great that love the museum. We connect with the community to make sure they get what they want from the museum. It has a rewarding effect. The DIA staff has done a good job of listening to the community and understanding what the community wants. We have been able to create exhibitions with the voice of the community. Our goal is to reflect the hopes and wishes of the community. Our Community Engagement Team goes out in the community to speak at libraries, churches, community centers and ask the attendees what they want to see at the museum. We also work with our Community Partners and exchange information to help each other. One of the new exhibitions is the Detroit Style. It tells the history of car design in Detroit. During one of our sessions, the community said they wanted to learn Car design and this was the result. The Detroit Style exhibit is at the DIA now.

The Day of The Dead is a special program we do each year with the local artist and the Mexican Consulate. We have a lot of support from the residents in Southwest Detroit. This exhibit is taking place now.

TN – Do you have any programs that cater to special groups?

DIA - We have a number of programs devoted to mental health It is important to show that the arts can play a positive role in dealing with people with mental health issues. A program with the Alzheimer's Association brings people to the museum. We also have a Community Group Show that supports people who have been in jail or have mental health concerns and gives them an opportunity to create artwork. Their artwork helps them explain what they are going through. Then their art work becomes part of a display in the museum. This year's Community Group Show will be held in December.

We also have a Wellness Program that works with veterans and show them that art is very beneficial and the museum can play a positive role in their lives.

TN - What protocols are in place due to Covid?

DIA - There are policies in place to protect the staff and visitors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Attendees must make a reservation before coming to the museum. You will reserve a time slot for your visit on the website http://www.dia.org. Once you select your timeslot, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code that must be shown at the museum entrance to enter. There is a limit to 200 visitors at a time in the museum.

DIA Director, Salvador Salort-Pons standing in front of the Detroit Institute of Arts

The hours are reduced to allow for additional cleaning each week. The DIA is open for members only 9 a.m.–12 p.m. on Wednesday; reservations are required. Reservations are available for all visitors 12 p.m.– 4 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; and 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Due to the current nature of the ongoing pandemic, masks are required for ALL visitors regardless of vaccination status and social distancing and additional health and safety precautions in place.

If you don't live in the counties of Macomb, Oakland or Wayne, you can get free or reduced admission to museums throughout Michigan through the Michigan Activity Pass, if you have a valid library card.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is located at 5200 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48202