Detroit Artists Market Annual Fund
October 30, 2009 | 6:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Dear Friends,
A group of art lovers gather in a living room, thinking about economic troubles and talking about how local arts would survive. So that artists could make a living, they would need a place to show and sell their work. At the same time, people from throughout the community would be encouraged to visit the gallery at no charge to enjoy, learn, and begin collecting local art. The right idea at the right time? Definitely – this was how the Detroit Artists Market began in 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression.
The Detroit Artists Market continues to be the right idea, especially for our time now. This last year has reaffirmed that as financial decisions become more difficult, people want to spend their time and money locally and in meaningful ways. DAM uniquely provides that opportunity with quality exhibitions, special events, and helpful services for artists and visitors. As we approach the holiday season, I ask you to make a year-end gift to the Detroit Artists Market Annual Fund . DAM makes a real difference in our lives, and in the cultural vitality and economic health of our community.
This year DAM presented eight exhibitions plus the annual Garden Sale, providing local artists many opportunities to show and sell their work. Our openings have become “can’t miss” events, and throughout the year our audiences have been strong and our sales have been steady. DAM was also fortunate this year to participate in the Community Foundation Challenge: Arts & Culture, raising much-needed operating dollars from gifts and matching grants to help underwrite operations now and into the next fiscal year. Perhaps you were one of our online donors, and we thank you again for participating in that special fundraising opportunity.
While there is much to celebrate, there are still funding gaps to fill. State grant dollars have all but disappeared, and many corporate donors no longer have grants to give. To continue our unique role in supporting local art, artists and audiences, the Detroit Artists Market still needs to raise more than $60,000 this year from private contributions and sponsorships. Personal contributions are the cornerstone of the Detroit Artists Market. Every dollar and every donation directly impacts our mission – as important now as it was 76 years ago.
Your gift is an investment in our community, confirming your belief that art is a vital part of strengthening our local economy and improving our quality of life. Your gift also helps insure that DAM continues to provide quality and value to our patrons and our artists. DAM provides real value for visitors, shoppers, and collectors:
· Admission to DAM is free and accessible to everyone
· DAM offers a range of membership levels to serve the whole community
· Sales of locally-created art keeps dollars in our community
· In the past year DAM served nearly 350 local artists with quality exhibitions, sales events, corporate art placements, and technical support
· In the past twelve months, DAM sold art and distributed $103,523 in commission payments, putting dollars back into the local economy and supporting the livelihood of area artists
Your gift will help us continue to provide Metro Detroiters a way to connect with the innovative and inspiring world of contemporary art. Your gift also celebrates and encourages the creative vision of Detroit area artists. With your support, DAM will continue to be a leader in showing and selling locally created art, building audiences, nurturing collectors, and being the catalyst that brings artists and art lovers together.
DAM offers another easy way to contribute online here , or get your copy of our annual letter by clicking on the attachment (or “call for entry” above). This easy and secure payment method allows you to make a one-time gift, or you might consider scheduling a monthly gift to support DAM throughout the year.
With warm regards,
Nancy L. Sizer
Director
