Letter to the Editor: Support the DIA Millage

This letter was received by West Bloomfield Patch local editor Tim Rath.

I am writing to encourage my neighbors in West Bloomfield and Oakland County to support the Detroit Institute of Arts by voting YES on August 7 for our county’s art institute authority. The DIA is one of the top art museums in the world and we are fortunate to have it in our region.

Many of my neighbors might not be aware of how frequently Oakland County residents visit the DIA or how often the DIA visits us. In the last couple of years, more than 12,000 Oakland County students have been to the DIA and 3,000 Oakland County residents from community organizations toured the recent blockbuster exhibition, Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus. The DIA is also in our county, daily. The museum has provided more than 200 talks and classes to our schools, seniors groups, community centers, libraries and other organizations since 2011.

If we approve the art institute authority on August 7, each household will provide an average of $10 to $15 per year to help fund the DIA’s general operations. The funds will be managed by Oakland County’s art institute authority and will be distributed to the DIA in exchange for services, which include free admission for all Oakland County residents and more robust educational programming and exhibitions.

Personally, I can’t think of a better investment for $10 or $15 dollars, especially given all of the cultural and educational enrichment the DIA provides to us.

For the good of West Bloomfield, Oakland County, our region and state, please vote YES for the Oakland County Art Institute Authority on Aug.7 and join me in ensuring the DIA is open and accessible for our future and the future of our children.

Ronna Gold
West Bloomfield

For questions and clarifications, please leave a comment below or contact local editor Tim Rath at tim.rath@patch.com or 248-622-7994.