Representatives of the Detroit Institute of Arts updated the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 30 about visitor access, outreach programs and recent and upcoming exhibitions.

Salvador Pons, the DIA’s executive director, and Julie McFarland, executive director for public affairs and community engagement, said free general admission for Oakland County residents continues to be a cornerstone of the museum’s county partnership funded by a county millage. McFarland told commissioners that since the 2013 millage the museum has welcomed more than a million Oakland County residents for free visits and that the DIA expects resident attendance to rise this year.

The DIA described school and senior programs — including field trips with transportation support and “Melodies at the Museum” for senior groups — and said it is on track to bring approximately 16,000 students per year (current year at about 12,000 to 20,000 student target). The museum said it provides transportation for K–12 visits and teacher professional development tied to field trips.

The museum’s community partnership programs were highlighted: Inside Out brings high‑quality reproductions into local neighborhoods with a digital QR code component, and a public‑art mural program has placed works in Hazel Park, Farmington, Lathrup Village, Southfield and Pontiac. McFarland encouraged commissioners to use their communication channels to promote free admission and community events.

Judith Dorkard, deputy director of art education and programs, reviewed current exhibitions including the Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation show (roughly 90 works by about 60 artists) and a reinstallation of the African American collection. Salvador Pons said portions of the DIA’s modern and impressionist collection will travel to Rome and Seoul later this year and that the museum plans major exhibitions in coming years including Georgia O’Keeffe and a Caravaggio presentation expected in 2027.

Commissioners asked how to improve outreach to residents who aren’t aware of free county admission; the DIA said it will continue to provide commissioners with shareable copy, work with libraries as distribution points and run targeted advertising. Commissioners also asked about the DIA’s endowment; the DIA said it is approximately $470 million with a goal of $800 million by 2032.

Speakers (selected)
- Salvador Pons, Executive Director, Detroit Institute of Arts
- Julie McFarland, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Community Engagement, DIA
- Judith Dorkard, Deputy Director, Art Education and Programs, DIA

Clarifying details
- DIA reported more than 1 million Oakland County visits since millage began in 2013.
- School field trip commitment: DIA aims to serve about 16,000 students/year; current counts slightly over 12,000.
- DIA endowment reported as approximately $470 million; goal of $800 million by 2032.

Provenance
- topicintro: tc_start: "11:56", tc_end: "12:06", evidence_excerpt: "We've got... the DIA not only continues to be a great institution..." (reason_code: "topicintro")
- topfinish: tc_start: "27:36", tc_end: "27:46", evidence_excerpt: "Thank you so much for your attention today." (reason_code: "topicfinish")