In the past 12 months, the Detroit Institute of Arts has secured more than $10 million in donations to the museum’s unrestricted operating endowment, moving the institution closer to its goal of financial sustainability.
The gifts come from five philanthropic families – Richard A. and Joanne D. Brodie, Peter and Carol Walters and The Walters Family Foundation, Peter and Peggy Kross, Cynthia N. and Edsel B. Ford, and Robert B. and Kathleen Rosowski.
“We are humbled by the strong belief in the work we are doing and are thankful for these important investments in the DIA’s future, as we continue to provide world class education to our schools and access to art, culture, and history for everyone,” says Salvador Salort-Pons, director of the DIA. “The DIA continues to work diligently toward building an operating endowment that will fully fund museum operations, and these significant gifts are critical in reaching that goal.”
The Brodies have been donors to the DIA for more than 40 years as members of the Society of Associates, trip attendees, and regular attendees to the annual gala and various auxiliary events. Their leadership is seen throughout the institution with Richard Brodie’s tenure on the board of directors and Joanne as past chair of the visiting committee of European decorative arts. Richard currently serves as chair of the collections committee of the board and on its executive committee. In recognition of their support, the museum’s Medici Gallery will be designated The Richard A. and Joanne D. Brodie Gallery.
Two years ago, the Walters Family Foundation, led by Peter and Carol Walters, made a grant to pilot Head Start programs in the region, providing opportunities for pre-kindergarten children and their parents to experience the museum. Their most recent gift will endow the position of Walters family director, education programs at the DIA. Carol is a member of the board of directors’ executive committee and the education committee, and was recently named co-chair of the public affairs committee.
Peter and Peggy Kross have been DIA donors for nearly 40 years as members, supporting the annual fund, and giving to campaigns. With this new gift, they become members of the museum’s Woodward Circle giving society and demonstrate their devotion to the institution and their belief in its future.
A gift from Cynthia N. and Edsel B. Ford continues the legacy of Ford family investment in the DIA, which goes back to the museum’s early roots. Edsel Ford’s grandfather commissioned Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry Murals” in the 1930s, a main attraction at the museum. Cynthia Ford, recent gala chair and board member, serves as a member of the governance and nominating, endowment campaign, and on the executive committees of the board.
Robert B. and Kathleen Rosowski are longtime supporters as members, with particular interest in European sculpture and decorative arts. The Rosowskis sponsored the “Make A Joyful Noise” exhibition in 2015, highlighting Renaissance art and music at Florence Cathedral. Robert has also served as a member of the board of directors’ audit committee.
“We thank these generous donors for their exemplary support and for the added momentum these gifts will provide to help us secure our endowment campaign goals,” says Eugene A. Gargaro Jr., board and endowment campaign chair.
The DIA, founded in 1885, is home to more than 60,000 works from ancient times through the 21st century. Its goal is to create opportunities for visitors to find personal meaning in art individually and with each other.
