Edition No. 29
In this Edition
Arts and Culture
Presented by The Art Assignment, Art Trips is a collection of short films that investigate the art offerings of various cities and towns, including our hometown of Detroit.
Community and Family
This week, The War Memorial announced the news that following our 2020 groundbreaking, we are forging ahead with our new facility, all in partnership with the Alger Family.
American Democracy
A recent article from Michigan BRIDGE gives readers insight into the implications of the new Census figures, and the impact on Michigan’s congressional power.
The Art Assignment: Art Trips
Even as the world slowly returns to a new normal, we recognize that travel and experiencing new sights and sounds is still not the easiest thing to do. Our cities and towns, both domestic and abroad, are full of bright street art, unique art installations, and rich culture; it’s hard not to yearn for the opportunity to explore these fascinating places. Thankfully, that is where Art Trips steps in.
Presented by The Art Assignment, in partnership with PBS Digital Studios, Art Trips is a series of short documentary films that summarize and highlight amazing art found in cities across the globe. Episodes delve into questions and criticisms that arise about art and explore alternative art histories of various cities. The array of outstanding places in the world to experience art is vast. From Venice, Italy, and London, England, all the way to Marfa, Texas, and our hometown of Detroit, Michigan, this collection of virtual art trips will cure any art lover’s momentary wanderlust. So, travel with Art Assignment virtually today, and soon, you’ll be able to begin plotting your trips to see these works in person too!
Behold the 2017 Venice Biennale. Called the "Olympics of the art world," the exhibition invades historic (and tourist-clogged) Venice, Italy, every two years, and has since 1895.
Forget the hype and experience the art and history that Detroit offers up in spades. We visit the Diego Rivera mural, Heidelberg Project, MOCA, abandoned buildings, and much more.
The epicenter of the art world is in Marfa, Texas? We visit this small town where Minimalist artist Donald Judd settled in the 70s and sowed the seeds for its glorious present, worthy of a pilgrimage.
The War Memorial Forges Ahead
Normally, we like to use this space to highlight the curated content that exemplifies the mission of The War Memorial. However, as a change, we are going to share some of our own good news! This week, we announced that we are forging ahead with growth and our new facility in partnership with The Alger family. We broke ground in late 2020, and we are courageously moving forward with our bold vision to create a contemporary gathering space while honoring the spirit of the original Alger home. Our goal is to affirm our mission as a center for world-class arts and culture, a venue for important conversations on public issues, community bridge-building, and a destination for more reflective and inclusive patriotism.
Leadership gifts, championed by the Alger family, and funding from campaign efforts support the total project cost of $23 million, which are inclusive of the new facility, grounds and garden, waterside park, and art installation. Our new facility was conceptualized by Detroit-based architectural firm ROSSETTI. Our friends at DBusiness Magazine kindly shared our exciting news as well. Click or tap here to read the full article.
So Cheers to A Bright Future!
On behalf of our board, staff, partners, and volunteers, we are ecstatic to share our audacious goals and promising future with you.
Click or tap here to learn more.
Census Data Released: Let The Redistricting Begin!
In a solid April 26 article, Michigan BRIDGE considered the implications of new Census figures for Michigan and selected other states. While Michigan grew between 2010 and 2020, we did not grow enough to keep our 14th Congressional seat. The loss of that seat will make the upcoming Reapportionment, our first to be done by a Nonpartisan Citizens Commission, that much more intense. Click or tap here to read the full article.
For those interested in states not discussed by Michigan BRIDGE or who want to see the data for themselves, the US Census has posted a cool interactive “Historical Apportionment” map. Click or tap here to view.
“So, the new numbers could be interpreted as good news, but they are not enough to retain power. Along with the loss of a congressional seat, Michigan’s total of electoral votes will decline from 16 to 15 of the 538 total used to determine the winner of the presidency.”
United States Bureau Of The Census, F. (1940) It's your America! Help the ten-year roll call-- census, U.S.A. United States, 1940.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.