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The Detroit Institute of Arts to Establish The GM Center for African American Art

21 July 2000

Center Will Focus on the Study of Achievements And Influence of African American Artists

                
    DETROIT - The Detroit Institute of Arts announced today the creation of the 
General Motors Center for African American Art as a new curatorial department 
and resource center at the museum.  The Center is named in recognition of a $5 
million donation from the General Motors Foundation to the DIA's capital 
campaign. 

    The Center will act as an independent department within the museum's
existing structure, and will be staffed by a curator, assistant curator and
administrative assistant.  A national search for staff is currently underway.

    "The development of the General Motors Center for African American Art is
a natural extension of the DIA's commitment to African American art, and will
provide a stimulating new dimension to our collections," said Graham W.J.
Beal, director of the DIA.  "We intend to create a center of excellence in
this area, which will prove to be an invaluable resource for scholars and
collectors, as it will house a specialized library related to works by African
American artists."

    The Center is a testament to the DIA's and GM's commitment to serving the
community.  "General Motors is dedicated to recognizing the achievements and
influence of African Americans," said General Motors vice president and chief
financial officer, Michael Losh.  "GM is proud to support this extraordinary
Center that will enrich and expand the breadth of the museum in both culture
and importance."

    Early emphasis will be on research that will lead to special exhibitions,
lectures and symposia.  Additionally, the Center will provide a place where
talented African American students can gain valuable experience in a
stimulating environment to prepare them for an art museum career.

    "I've spoken with Christy Matthews, director of the Charles H. Wright
Museum of African American History, and we agreed that there could be
interesting opportunities for collaboration," Beal said.  "While it is
difficult to be specific at this early stage, these might include loans of art
to parallel exhibitions, joint educational initiatives, and mutual programming
around exhibitions."

    With a solid core of artistic expertise, intellectual acumen, a powerfully
growing collection and a vitally interested local community, the DIA expects
the Center will quickly gain national prominence and become a leading
contributor to the field of study in African American art.  The Center's work
will be disseminated through publications such as exhibition catalogues and
seminar proceedings.

    The DIA is located at 5200 Woodward Avenue in the University Cultural
Center.  Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays
and Sundays, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on the first Friday of the month.  Admission
is a mandatory donation, recommended at $4 for adults, $1 for children; DIA
members are free.