Essay # 3

HON 1000: Dr. Rex

Name: Shreya Potukutchi

Should we sacrifice our culture?

Introduction
Detroit is the largest city to file for bankruptcy in U.S. history.1 It is $20 billion in debt,
owes money to more than a hundred thousand creditors, only about a third of the ambulances are
running, forty percent of the street lights dont work, and the size of the police force has been cut
by forty percent over the last decade.2 Those are just a few of the problems Detroit is facing
today. With the Detroit city being bogged down by debts and its citizens struggling, selling the
art in Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) is one of the proposed ways to obtain funds for bankruptcy
eradication. The problem is the threat to the DIAs existence. Will this compromise Detroits
culture?
Evaluation of How Important the DIA is to Detroit
Culture of a city can be defined by its arts. Therefore the DIA that houses Detroits art
defines Detroit. With over 100 galleries, this institution is completely unique to Detroit. It allows
us to be known for more than just the automobile city.3 It defines who we are because the DIA is
so ingrained in the day-to-day activities and lives of the local residents. Through several
activities like exhibitions, chess, and art classes for all ages, music bars, programs associating
with the local automobile companies, the DIA reaches out to the community in and around
1

Pottow, John A.E. "Detroit's Real Challenge." University of Michigan Law School Scholarship
Repository (2014): n. pag. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.
<http://repository.law.umich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2054&context=articles
2
Snyder, Michael. "25 Facts About The Fall Of Detroit That Will Leave You Shaking Your
Head." Web log post. The Economic Collapse. N.p., 20 July 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
<http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/25-facts-about-the-fall-of-detroit-that-will-leaveyou-shaking-your-head
3
Rybczynski, Witold. The Measure of a Town. City Life. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1995.
46. Print
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Essay # 3
HON 1000: Dr. Rex

Name: Shreya Potukutchi

Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.4 The annual inside/out events bring high-quality
reproductions of masterpieces from the DIAs collection to outdoor venues throughout metro
Detroit.5
Besides this communal factor, preserving the DIAs art is important for social, economic,
and environmental reasons6 Socially, the DIAs art preserves the history and heritage of the
place, provides a better understanding and an appreciation for a communitys cultural diversity,
and even reduces barriers between the diverse groups of people7. For example, Diego Riveras
murals are a depiction of the auto industry at Ford Motor Company, which is the perfect
representation of the citys primary industry Economically, it attracts tourists to the city of
Detroit8. Its location on the historic Woodward Avenue, across the Detroit Public Library,
makes it one of the main tourist attractions.9 Finally, on the environmental front, it preserves and
enhances Detroits local identity and character10. Thats why the DIA is so important and
integral part of the city. The art cant be taken away
Most people think that Detroit has more problems to worry about than preserving art at
the DIA. For example, Viginia Postrel, a political and cultural writer, has stated that, The cause

Marcil, Pamela. "Detroit Institute of Arts Offers a Variety of Activities in June." Detroit
Institute of Arts. N.p., 10 Apr. 2014. Web. <http://www.dia.org/news/1596/Detroit-Institute-ofArts-offers-a-variety-of-Activities-in-June.aspx>.
5
"Detroit Institute of Arts Announces Sixth Year of Popular Inside|Out Program - Eight Cities
Participating for the First Time; New Images from DIA This Year." Detroit Institute of Arts.
N.p., 20 Nov. 2014. Web. 22 Nov. 2014.
6
The Role of the Arts and Culture. American Planning Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov.
2014. <https://www.planning.org/research/arts/briefingpapers/overview.htm>.
7
ibid
8
ibid
9
Martelle, Scott. "Th Roaring Twenties." Detroit: A Biography. Chicago: Chicago Review, n.d.
98. Print.
10
ibid
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HON 1000: Dr. Rex

Name: Shreya Potukutchi

of art would be better served if the DIAs major works are in other, more deserving cities.11
However contrary to popular beliefs, Harvard student Jeffrey Hamburger wrote a petition to
Detroits emergency manager Kevin Orr listing the great works of art, artists stating what Detroit
would lose if it sold its art. Hamburger wrote The collections, which rank among the best in
North America, include significant holdings of Italian, Netherlandish, Dutch and Flemish
painting. Flemish masterpieces include works by Jan van Eyck, David, van Orley, Massys,
Breugel, Cuyp, Hobbema, Hals, van Dyck, Ruisdael, Rembrandt and Rubens. Among the Italian
masters represented are Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Fra Angelico, Sasetta, Bellini, Perguino, Titian,
Correggio, Parmigianino, Dossi, Bronzino, Carravagio, Veronese, Reni, Batoni, and Tiepolo.
The outstanding collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist as well as earlier French
painting includes works by Poussin, Claude, de la Tour, Chardin, Fragonard, Delacroix, Courbet,
Cezanne, Corot, Degas, Pissaro, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, Gauguin, and Vincent van Gogh. Among
the English artists in the collection are Hogarth, Hoppner, Fuseli, Raeburn, Romney, Reynolds,
Gainsborough, Constable, and Millais. All this is no more than a sampling: the museum also
holds outstanding collections of American, African, African-American, Asian, and Islamic art, as
well over 35,000 prints, drawings and photographs To sell them, in whole or in part, would
seal the citys shame, dispose of one of the most visible manifestations of its proud history, and
inflict permanent, irreparable harm on the city as a center for culture, tourism and commerce 12
This petition truly captures how much culture the DIA houses. Selling the DIAs art will be of
great loss to the city of Detroit.
11

Caplan-Bricker, Nora In defense of crumbling museums New Republic. N.P.,13 June

2013.<http://www.newrepublic.com\article\113468\Detroit-art-museum-should-keep-itspaintings>.
12
Graf, Klaus. "Petition: Prevent Sale of Works from the Detroit Institute of Arts." Review. Web
log post. Weblog KULTURGUT. N.p., 24 Aug. 2013. Web. 16 Nov. 2014.
<http://kulturgut.hypotheses.org/269>.
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Essay # 3
HON 1000: Dr. Rex

Name: Shreya Potukutchi

Solutions
A solution proposed by the city of Detroit was to rent part of DIAs art collections to
other museums13. This according to the city will help raise revenue to repay some portion of the
debt. However the DIA has resisted this notion, calling it impractical. DIA has in the past rented
works of arts from other museums such as Claude Monets most famous painting, Water Lily
Pond, Green Harmony from Musee dOrsay museum in Paris14. The DIA had never rented its
own art out. While renting would give some revenue, it will not be enough to make an impact on
the citys debt Another solution would be to grant independent ownership to a trust to save the
DIAs existence, while finding alternatives to structure the debt relief plan. It is easier said than
done, as the trust requires funds to be raised. Some institutions like the New York City Opera
tried raising funds as little as $7 million and were unsuccessful in 201015. If funded well, this
could be the best option to save the DIA.
The DIA existing independently will ensure preserving the art. Recent ruling by Judge
Steven W. Rhodes on Detroit bankruptcy plan provided the DIA the beginning of a big relief.
With about a billion dollars raised from private foundations, private donors, and the State of
Michigan can help the museum become an entity owned by an independent charitable trust like

13

Stryker, Mark. "Detroit Institute of Arts: Report Doesn't Rule Out Asking DIA to Help Raise
Revenue." Detroit Free PressJun 16 2013. ProQuest. Web. 23 Nov. 2014 .
14

"Monet Guest of Honor Events & Exhibitions at The Detroit Institute of Arts." Monet
Guest of Honor Events & Exhibitions at The Detroit Institute of Arts. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov.
2014. <http://www.dia.org/calendar/exhibition.aspx?id=4744&iid=>.
15

Kishore, Joseph. "DEFEND THE DIA!" Defend the Detroit Institute of Arts. N.p., 3 Oct.
2013. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. <http://defendthedia.org/>.
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Essay # 3
HON 1000: Dr. Rex

Name: Shreya Potukutchi

many of the other museums are16. Major companies have pledged millions of dollars to help fund
the DIA. For example, Toyota Motor North America pledged $1 million.17
Conclusion
Since the DIA is an integral part of Detroits culture, it should not be forced to sell its art
It has communal, social, economic, and environmental importance. Instead of selling the art,
renting it out to other museums could be a compromise between the city and the museum. Or a
better solution would be for the DIA to independent from the city, therefore nullifying the
possibility of losing Detroits culture

16

KENNEDY, RANDY "Grand Bargain Saves the Detroit Institute of Arts " The New York
Times [Detroit] 7 Nov. 2014, Art and Design sec.: n. pag. Print.
17

"Toyota Commits $1 Million to Help the City of Detroit and Secure the Future of the Detroit
Institute of Arts." Pro Quest Research Library (2014): n. pag. Proquest. Web. 11 Nov. 2014.
<http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.wayne.edu/pqrl/docview/1551776344/CC35060067124B9
4PQ/13?accountid=14925>.
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Essay # 3
HON 1000: Dr. Rex

Name: Shreya Potukutchi

Bibliography:
Caplan-Bricker, Nora In defense of crumbling museums New Republic. N.P.,13 June
2013.<http://www.newrepublic.com\article\113468\Detroit-art-museum-should-keep-itspaintings>.
"Detroit Institute of Arts Announces Sixth Year of Popular Inside|Out Program - Eight Cities
Participating for the First Time; New Images from DIA This Year." Detroit Institute of Arts.
N.p., 20 Nov. 2014. Web. 22 Nov. 2014.
KENNEDY, RANDY "Grand Bargain Saves the Detroit Institute of Arts " The New York
Times [Detroit] 7 Nov. 2014, Art and Design sec.: n. pag. Print.
Graf, Klaus. "Petition: Prevent Sale of Works from the Detroit Institute of Arts." Review. Web
log post. Weblog KULTURGUT. N.p., 24 Aug. 2013. Web. 16 Nov. 2014.
<http://kulturgut.hypotheses.org/269>.
Marcil, Pamela. "Detroit Institute of Arts Offers a Variety of Activities in June." Detroit Institute
of Arts. N.p., 10 Apr. 2014. Web. <http://www.dia.org/news/1596/Detroit-Institute-of-Artsoffers-a-variety-of-Activities-in-June.aspx>.
"Monet Guest of Honor Events & Exhibitions at The Detroit Institute of Arts." Monet Guest
of Honor Events & Exhibitions at The Detroit Institute of Arts. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.dia.org/calendar/exhibition.aspx?id=4744&iid=>.
Pottow, John A.E. "Detroit's Real Challenge." University of Michigan Law School Scholarship
Repository (2014): n. pag. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.
Snyder, Michael. "25 Facts About The Fall Of Detroit That Will Leave You Shaking Your
Head." Web log post. The Economic Collapse. N.p., 20 July 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
<http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/25-facts-about-the-fall-of-detroit-that-will-leaveyou-shaking-your-head
Stryker, Mark. "Detroit Institute of Arts: Report Doesn't Rule Out Asking DIA to Help Raise
Revenue." Detroit Free Press. Jun 16 2013. ProQuest. Web. 23 Nov. 2014 .
The Role of the Arts and Culture. American Planning Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2014.
<https://www.planning.org/research/arts/briefingpapers/overview.htm>.
"Toyota Commits $1 Million to Help the City of Detroit and Secure the Future of the Detroit
Institute of Arts." Pro Quest Research Library (2014): n. pag. Proquest. Web. 11 Nov. 2014.
<http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.wayne.edu/pqrl/docview/1551776344/CC35060067124B9
4PQ/13?accountid=14925>.