Letter: Art is for Everyone

I am a resident of Dearborn and am writing to ask my neighbors in Wayne County to join me in supporting the Detroit Institute of Arts by voting YES for our county’s art institute authority on Aug. 7.

The DIA has a world-class collection that could never be replaced and it’s one that we need to protect and keep available for our county. It’s because of this collection and the museum’s international stature that the DIA can attract exhibitions such as Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus and the current Five Spanish Masterpieces.

It’s also a testament to the DIA’s commitment to our county and region that the museum offers programs such as Friday Night Live! at the museum and Inside|Out in our communities. These programs are specifically designed to help the citizens of our communities better understand and connect with art in the museum’s collection.

The .2 mil levy we are being asked to approve for the next 10 years is only $10 to $15 for the average Wayne County household. If we approve the proposal, the Wayne County Art Institute Authority will collect, manage and distribute funds to the DIA, in exchange for guaranteed services from the museum, including free  admission for Wayne County residents, including school groups, and expanded programs and exhibitions.

I believe $10 to $15 annually is a small fee to keep the DIA, a remarkable cultural attraction, in our region and for our residents. Please join me in voting YES for the Wayne County Art Institute Authority on Aug.7 and join me in ensuring the DIA remains open.

Kenneth Szmigiel
Dearborn resident