Dedicated by the people of Detroit to the knowledge and enjoyment of art. That is the motto etched into the stone, above the heavy bronze doors, of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The DIA stands, monumentally, with its large columns and solemn white stone. It almost seems out of place among the hustle and bustle of Woodward Avenue, as if the modern textbook of Detroit is flipped open to an historical page.

One might think that a building with such a strong façade would never fall prey to an adversary. However, several Detroiters are fearful that that is exactly what is going on.

Built in the years 1921-1927 by the Arts Commission of Detroit, the DIA is now facing possible liquidation in the wake of the Chapter 9 bankruptcy that the city recently filed, according to The Detroit News.

“The collection is sacrosanct.  It represents the cultural legacy of our great city,” said Dick Goody, OU Associate Professor of Art.  “It will never happen that the collection will be sold off.  It is simply unthinkable.  I refuse to even discuss the possibility.”

Emergency manager, Kevyn Orr, has proposed an idea in which several art pieces would be sold to help pay some of the city’s debt. There has only been discussion and no final decisions have been made on this issue…yet.

At the beginning of August, it came to light that Kevyn Orr had hired the New York company, Christie’s Appraisals, to evaluate prices for some of the museum’s art pieces.

“The city may be broke, but it is culturally rich, boasting one of the most prestigious art collections in the nation,” said Amy Feigley-Lee, OU Special Lecturer in Studio Art.

“If the DIA were to lose its collection, it would indicate that our leaders only care about the bottom line, which is very short sighted. Selling off an important piece of our city’s culture in order to pay off creditors would be a short-term solution and do more damage to the city in the long run,” she said.

“The museum is one facet of a unique cultural environment.  I know of no other city whose people are so committed to creating a promising future.  Detroit is rising again and will be one of the great metropolises of North America,” Goody said. 

Detroit news sites are constantly covering the city’s bankruptcy filing, and there have been several speculations as to what the DIA is going to do.

At the beginning of August, detroitnews.com reported that the DIA director, Graham W. J. Beal, said the museum would prepare to take legal action to prevent the sale of its artwork in connection with the bankruptcy.

On Monday, Aug. 19, the website reported that the museum issued an official statement claiming their support for Mr. Orr’s “efforts to rebuild the city.”

“The Detroit Institute of Arts…announced today that it will not file an objection to the city’s eligibility for relief under Chapter 9 of the Bankruptcy Code,” reported detroitnews.com. “The DIA recognizes the City’s severe financial distress and its need for the protection and powers of the bankruptcy court to help in the Emergency Manager’s efforts to rebuild and revitalize Detroit.”

“Over the last fifty years the museum has worked hard. It has maintained its collection with great grace and care,” Goody said. 

“In a way, the museum has been the one constant cultural resource that has safeguarded the future of our city.  Through all the economic downturns, the DIA has stayed the course and will continue to do so.  It is a shining light and vital leader and guide for our city’s future.”  

CBS Television correspondent, Bob Simon, of “60 Minutes,” recently visited the DIA to interview museum staff for a segment of the television show, according to Detroit Free Press.

 OU students can watch the full segment during the upcoming season which premiers at 7 p.m. Sept. 29.

Students can also visit the DIA, free of charge. The museum offers free admission to all residents of Macomb, Wayne and Oakland counties.