The Detroit Institute of Arts announced on April 28 a call for submissions for its 14th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos exhibition. The event is organized in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit, the Southwest Detroit Business Association, and the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation.
The exhibition aims to introduce visitors to the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead and highlight how people honor their deceased loved ones through ofrenda altars. Artists and community members are invited to submit concepts for original altars that reflect themes such as personal remembrance, cultural heritage, or life and loss.
“Ofrendas: Celebrating el Dia de Muertos is a special exhibition at the DIA offering visitors the opportunity to experience the storytelling and artistic expression that comes along with the rich tradition of the Day of the Dead each fall,” said Julie McFarland, Executive Director of Public Affairs & Community Engagement. “We look forward to receiving submissions from returning artists and first-time participants alike, and to celebrating another year of cultural connection and shared traditions at the museum.”
Proposals can be submitted through an online form until June 5. A committee made up of local community members and DIA staff will review entries, with selected artists notified by July. Each chosen artist or group will receive a $500 stipend. Installation is scheduled for mid-September, with public viewing beginning September 26 through November 1.
Applications are available in both English and Spanish. General admission remains free for museum members as well as residents from Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
