Valuing Detroit’s Art Museum

Más información sobre el libro

This book examines the precarious situation of the Detroit Institute of Arts during the city's bankruptcy, when creditors viewed it as a "nonessential asset" that could be sold to address Detroit's debts. It contextualizes the museum's history within the broader social, economic, and political landscape of Detroit, offering insights into both the city and the institution. The narrative traces the museum's evolution from its establishment as a private non-profit in 1885 to its designation as a municipal department in 1919, highlighting its growth into the fifth largest art museum in America. The book details the museum's remarkable collections and facilities expansion, juxtaposed with ongoing government funding cuts during economic crises. Detroit's 2013 bankruptcy highlighted nearly 130 years of fiscal missteps that left the museum vulnerable to a global art investment community eager to exploit the city's struggles. This work significantly contributes to various fields, including non-profit management, cultural policy, and urban history, while also shedding light on the histories of both the museum and Detroit. Its lessons resonate for anyone invested in the future of art museums in the U.S. and beyond.