General Motors Foundation and MOCAD Partner to Bring Art to the Students of Detroit

Bleak times for the arts in Detroit can be seen all around this great city. Massive protests have been spotted outside the Detroit Institute of Arts as people rise up to protest the potential sale of artwork to cover debt. Funding for every kind of art program is in a period of flux. A symbol of this city’s great economic might has stepped in to pledge their support. Through its foundation, General Motors has pledged $50,000 to aid art education programs for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit.

MOCAD’s Aspirations for this Donation

Affectionately known as MOCAD, the museum plans to use this new found source of revenue to help middle and high school students in the area. A new youth program producer will be hired. Input from teens will help in the design and implementation of these programs. These classes are slated to start in November.

The Council of Twelve

Twelve high school students will be selected to meet every week. The purpose is to develop directions of content. An Open Studio is in the works where the public can view the creative process as it develops. High school aged artists will have a place to show off and display their works in every stage to completion. Middle schoolers will also have their own program. This will center around art and design. The purpose is to expose them to this type of enriching atmosphere through connections with local artists.

Director Elysia Borowy-Reeder on the Program

Elysia Borowy-Reeder has had wide influence in the mid-west art scene. Chicago, Milwaukee, and now Detroit have benefited from her expertise. She serves as the director for the MOCAD. She believes that this and other youth programs will empower students to pursue their dreams of careers of creativity.

General Motors Foundation Recent History

The last three years have seen a large influx of donations from this organization. Nonprofits and institutions of culture have seen an influx of over $23 million due to their generosity. The symbol that is proudly perched on the top of the Renaissance Center is a proud reminder to the community of all that General Motors is willing to do to lead this city back to prosperity.

The public is encouraged to see for themselves as this recent project unfolds. The MOCAD is in the Midtown District near Canfield Street. Please visit their website which is www.mocadetroit.org for hours and exact location.