Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on DIA Millage

Dear Editor,

The Detroit Institute of Arts is at risk of closing its doors and on Aug. 7 my friends and neighbors in Novi and in Oakland County have the opportunity to save this internationally renowned museum for our community and region.

Oakland County is being asked to approve a .2 mil levy for the next 10 years, which is an estimated $10 to $15 dollars per household. If approved, Oakland County will have an art institute authority that will be responsible for managing the funds and distributing them directly to the DIA, in exchange for guaranteed services. These services include free admission for Oakland County residents and school groups, more programming and community events for our county, and more fantastic exhibitions.

Imagine Oakland County without the DIA in our region - no access to its world-class art collection, no access to traveling exhibitions featuring masterpieces from around the world, no school trips for our kids, no place to highlight or show off when friends and family come to visit.

The time is now to voice our support and go to the polls on Aug. 7 to save the DIA. If we approve the modest $10 or $15 millage and create the Oakland County Art Institute Authority, we can make sure the DIA is here for our county, our kids and our future. Let’s show the rest of the country and world that we value the DIA’s collection as much as they do.

Join me in voting YES on Aug. 7 for the Oakland County Art Institute Authority.

Sincerely,

Holly Waechter
Novi Resident &
DIA Volunteer