CHICAGO, IL.- Fountain Art Fair shares their support of the Detroit Institute of Arts with the city of Chicago during the EXPO CHICAGO weekend. Detroit, 280 miles east of Chicago, with a collection of over 60,000 works, is a one of the most important museums in the country. In response to recent DIA news, which threatens this cities entire collection, Fountain’s VIP preview on Friday, September 20 will be for the Benefit of this prestigious institution.
“Fountain respects the DIA’s legacy as one of our nation’s most valuable cultural institutions. Anyone who has visited this collection has been amazed by the vast array of work they hold, in trust for the public of Detroit and this country. We identify with their goal to afford all visitors an engaging personal experience through art. Supporting the DIA’s mission to remain a beacon of history and pride in the City of Detroit and beyond, is something we should all strive for,” explains David Kesting, Fountain co-founder.
Fountain VIP’s will be granted an exclusive preview to this groundbreaking exhibition on Friday, September 20 from noon until 7 PM. VIP tickets ensure weekend-long perks, with additional access to Fountain’s VIP lounge, featuring treats by Chicago-favorites, including drinks from Revolutionary Brewery. VIP Tickets in support of the DIA are available for purchase online
here
In light of this news, Fountain Art Fair will be extending its exhibitor application process to Monday, August 26. Fountain looks forward to welcoming some of Chicago’s most vibrant galleries, artists and project spaces to our extended family. Notable additions include supporting partner Johalla Projects, as well as Packer Schopf Gallery, Vertical Gallery and Maxwell Colette Gallery among others.
Fountain selects exhibitors based on their dedication to accelerating the arts through quality visionary programming. Fountain exhibitors range from young stars and mid-career artists to established masters.
About DIA – The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), one of the premier art museums in the United States, is home to more than 60,000 works that comprise a multicultural survey of human creativity from ancient times through the 21st century. From the first Van Gogh painting to enter a U.S. museum (Self-Portrait, 1887), to Diego Rivera’s world-renowned Detroit Industry murals (1932–33), the DIA’s collection is known for its quality, range, and depth. The DIA’s mission is to create opportunities for all visitors to find personal meaning in art.
Like so many with deep roots in this city, the Detroit Institute of Arts is disappointed that the emergency manager determined it was necessary to file for bankruptcy. As a municipal bankruptcy of this size is unprecedented, the DIA will continue to carefully monitor the situation, fully confident that the emergency manager, the governor and the courts will act in the best interest of the City, the public and the museum.
The DIA strongly believes that the museum and the City hold the museum’s art collection in trust for the public. The DIA manages and cares for that collection according to exacting standards required by the public trust, our profession and the Operating Agreement with the City. According to those standards, art cannot be sold generate funds for any purpose other than to enhance the collection. Michigan Attorney General, Bill Schuette’s formal opinion confirms our position that the DIA’s art collection is not subject to sale because it is held in public trust. The opinion represents strong support from one of Michigan’s highest legal authorities. We remain confident that the City and the emergency financial manager will continue to support the museum in its compliance with those standards, and together we will continue to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of Detroit.
The Detroit Institute of Arts has learned that Christie’s, at the request of the Emergency Manager, plans to proceed with a valuation of the DIA collection, and the museum will be cooperating completely in that process. However, the DIA continues to believe there is no reason to value the collection as the Attorney General has made clear that the art is held in charitable trust and cannot be sold as part of a bankruptcy proceeding. We applaud the EM’s focus on rebuilding the City, but would point out that he undercuts that core goal by jeopardizing Detroit’s most important cultural institution.
In addition, recent moves in Oakland and Macomb counties to invalidate the tri-county millage if art is sold virtually ensure that any forced sale of art would precipitate the rapid demise of the DIA. Removing $23 million in annual operating funds – nearly 75% of the museum’s operating budget – and violating the trust of donors and supporters would cripple the museum, putting an additional financial burden on our already struggling city. The DIA has long been doing business without City of Detroit operating support; any move that compromises its financial stability will endanger the museum and further challenge the City’s future.
