DETROIT, MI.- It’s the party Detroit has been waiting for…for six years! Arts Alive, the grand opening gala celebration of the new Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), will be held November 10, and will offer an extraordinary evening of art experiences on many levels. Guests will be among the first to exclusively preview the new DIA—truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. A change of this magnitude has not happened since the museum’s original building opened in 1927.

Following a $158 million, six-year building renovation and expansion project, the new DIA with completely re-organized galleries and expansive new public spaces will be unveiled at this spectacular fundraising party for Detroit’s own national treasure. And while the new DIA will be the main attraction at Arts Alive, a diverse line-up of international, national and local entertainment will excite and engage partygoers as they experience the museum—and art—as never before.

Performance painter Michael Israel will entertain guests at an exclusive private dinner. Wielding his paintbrushes like swords, Israel moves in rhythm to music while splashing his canvasses with color. He has graced Olympic stages, presidential galas and Las Vegas events. Israel ’s finished work will be sold during the evening.

Alex Donner and his orchestra will perform during the private dinner and into the evening. Rave reviews follow Donner around the country, whether he’s playing swing, disco, big band, Latin or rock’n’roll.

Art comes to life again in a performance created especially for the DIA by the renowned Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet of New York , which will make its Detroit debut at Arts Alive. The international company of 22 dancers is known for its refined, yet energetic style of dance. Their spectacular performance artistry will entertain and engage guests throughout the evening, making for a remarkable interactive experience.

And the party is just getting started! DJ Cassidy, one of the most sought-after names in the industry, will entertain and energize the Arts Alive guests well into the night. Dee-jaying events all over the world for some of the biggest names in entertainment, Cassidy’s client roster includes Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Elton John, Paris Hilton and more.

Arts Alive guests won’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in the art experiences of this spectacular evening! Chris Nuñez, the celebrity tattoo artist from the TLC hit TV show Miami Ink, will create phenomenal temporary tattoos on select gala guests. Osadía, the colorfully costumed street theatre company from Barcelona , will offer an original and provocative exhibition of hair art with the active participation of gala guests.

This spectacular, unsurpassed evening to celebrate the new DIA is being orchestrated by event chairpersons Mary Kay Crain, Jennifer Fischer, Carlita Kilpatrick and Marianne Schwartz.

Ticket Information: Reserve tickets now to Arts Alive before the official on-sale date in September! Advance reservations are now being accepted by calling (313) 833-7967. Ticket prices range from $200 to $2500. A Private Dinner & Gala Experience package is available for $2500, which also includes the After Hours Party, an exclusive gallery tour on November 15 (prior to the public opening), admission to a Detroit Film Theatre (DFT) Preview Party, an official program book, and a commemorative gift. A Gala Experience & Strolling Supper package is also available for $600, which includes admission to the After Hours Party, an exclusive gallery tour, and the DFT Preview Party. A $200 ticket is available to enjoy food, drinks, and the interactive entertainment and exciting experience of the after hours party. For more information, call (313) 833-7967.