(Detroit, Michigan – August 21, 2024) – The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is honored to announce the launch of an art field trip program offered to the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), addressing the critical national need for equitable access to arts education. This initiative aligns with MOCAD’s mission to serve the Detroit community through presenting art at the forefront of contemporary culture and to explore cultural and sociopolitical issues through diverse and dynamic exhibitions and programs.

Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the program will provide six field trips to MOCAD for students from three Title 1 schools within DPSCD. These schools were selected based on their commitment to arts education and their need for additional resources to support such initiatives. Approximately 300 students will benefit from guided exhibition tours and hands-on learning activities, all provided at no cost to the district. The program ensures these experiences are accessible by covering transportation, student lunches, and activity materials.

“Launching this art field trip program is a significant step for MOCAD and our community,” said Jova Lynne, Co-Director at MOCAD. “Having started my career in museum education, I understand the profound impact of such initiatives. This program is vital for DPSCD students, expanding our educational outreach and reinforcing our mission in the power art has to transform and reflect our community while underscoring our commitment to making contemporary art accessible to all.”

Art education plays a crucial role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness among students. “Our goal is to introduce students to contemporary art and encourage their own interpretation of it through hands-on activities and exhibition exploration,” said Meghan Morrow, Curator of Education at MOCAD. “The lesson plans we develop will align with Michigan and DPSCD education standards, ensuring that the field trips are both educational and inspiring.”

This pilot program is part of MOCAD’s broader commitment to educational outreach and community engagement. In addition to these field trips, MOCAD offers free Family Days every second Saturday of the month during exhibition seasons, providing families with the opportunity to explore contemporary art together through hands-on artmaking and interactive family tours. MOCAD invites the community to join in for these enriching experiences and see firsthand the impact of contemporary art on education and personal growth.

This program is made possible by the generous $11,700 USD gift from the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation. 

For more information about the program, our free monthly Family Days, and other educational initiatives at MOCAD, please visit www.mocadetroit.org.

MUSEUM HOURS:

• Wednesday to Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
• Thursday: 11 AM – 8 PM
• Closed on Monday and Tuesday

ABOUT MOCAD

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is a non-profit institution located in the heart of Detroit, dedicated to presenting art at the forefront of contemporary culture. MOCAD explores cultural and sociopolitical issues through diverse and dynamic exhibitions and programs, connecting Detroit with the global art world. The museum focuses on art as a means to nurture social change and human understanding, reflecting the community it serves. MOCAD encourages innovative experimentation by artists, musicians, makers, cultural producers, and scholars, enriching all who participate and educating visitors of all ages on the power of art. Welcoming creative voices from Detroit and around the world, MOCAD aims to guide us toward an equitable and inclusive future. The museum believes that art can change us and is committed to holding a space where challenge, acceptance, hope, and beauty can coexist.

ABOUT THE VERA AND JOSEPH DRESNER FOUNDATION

The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives in profoundly positive ways through grants focused on health, youth and family services, education, human services, and animal welfare.

CONTACT: 

Carolina Adams
Sutton Communications
mocad@suttoncomms.com