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Detroit Institute of Arts Fights for Survival with a Local Tax

This coming Tuesday, August 7, voters in the Metro Detroit area will decide not just the outcome of the usual political races, but also the future of the area’s beloved art museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The DIA, which has been struggling financially for years, has proposed a 10-year millage (tax) on homeowners in three counties, Wayne, Oakland and Macomb. A recent poll shows that 7 out of 10 voters in the election support the millage, but the fight over it represents an ongoing larger battle in this country about how we fund the arts.

I am nervous. Very nervous. PEOPLE OF DETROIT, I KNOW YOU MAY BE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY, BUT THIS SMALL MILLAGE IS WORTH IT TO SAVE YOUR CITY’S INVALUABLE INSTITUTION. THESE THINGS MATTER, EVEN IF THEY ARE UNQUANTIFIABLE.