How The DIA Inspires Art In Detroit Schools

DETROIT, MI — Hundreds of Detroit Public Schools Community District students are experiencing art, culture and history at the Detroit Institute of Arts this month. They are among the nearly 30,000 Wayne County students who visit the DIA for free field trips annually.

“When our students attend field trips to the DIA, they are amazed,” said Iranetta Wright, deputy superintendent of schools at DPSCD. “The experience opens a window to cultures and history from around the world. The DIA field trips help our students discover self-expression and visual thinking, while building observational, problem-solving and analytical skills. We are proud that the DIA is one of our partners in the Cultural Passport initiative.”

The DIA is one of 14 partners in the DPSCD Cultural Passport initiative, which provides experiences in art and music to K-5 students. The DIA was one of the first three partners during the initiative’s pilot last February.

“The free field trips and bus transportation offered by the DIA help us give Detroit students the opportunity to experience art, culture and history in ways that extend what they read in a book, see on television or find on the web,” Wright said.
As part of the tri-county art institute millage passed in 2012, the DIA provides free admission and bus transportation for students in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

In January, students from 14 DPSCD schools will visit the DIA, including the Academy of the Americas, Ann Arbor Trail Magnet Middle School, Charles Wright Academy of Arts and Sciences, Chrysler Elementary, Golightly Education Center, Law Elementary, Munger Elementary-Middle School, Pasteur Elementary, Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy, Roberto Clemente Learning Academy, Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy, Spain Elementary, Vernor Elementary and Wayne Elementary.

“The DIA works closely with teachers to provide rich experiences that bring learning to life, spark imaginations and encourage discovery,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “Field trips to the DIA show kids diverse cultures they can’t experience anywhere else in Michigan.”

The DIA provides guided and self-guided tours and online teaching resources for schools, including lesson plans that can be incorporated into curriculum.

To schedule a group tour or field trip, contact the DIA at 313-833-7981.

Photo via Detroit Institute of Arts