Reflecting on Moments of Recognition

Updated Aug 21, 2024

From the Director
The Telly Awards

It is with great pride and joy that the Detroit Institute of Arts team reflects on several remarkable achievements and the recognition that your museum has received this year. These acknowledgments from prestigious national and international platforms are a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement. They also speak to the amazing work being done by DIA teams across the museum and beyond the walls of our building — from the work it takes to put on world-class exhibitions to the efforts put forth by our offerings in the community for all to enjoy. Thanks to your amazing support, we are thrilled to share with you the highlights of our accomplishments and the honors we have garnered this year.  

The Telly Awards, known for honoring outstanding video and television content, celebrated their 45th annual event this year. With nearly 13,000 entries from around the world, the competition was fierce, showcasing work that pushed the boundaries of creativity and embraced new storytelling formats. The DIA's "One Take Drone Fly Through" emerged as a standout, winning Gold Telly Awards in both the Non-Broadcast - Museums & Galleries and Non-Broadcast - Arts & Culture categories. Additionally, we proudly took home the Silver Telly Award in the Non-Broadcast - Drone & Aerial Cinematography category. This recognition underscores our dedication to utilizing innovative technologies to bring our collections to life in new and engaging ways. 

In addition to showing off the highlights of our magnificent museum to online audiences, this drone video is also part of the educational curriculum offered by the DIA. Each year, the DIA hosts tens of thousands of schoolchildren from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County schools for free field trips, offered as part of our tri-county millage benefits. This fall, as more classes prepare to make a trip to the DIA part of their educational experience, they’ll first take an aerial tour of the museum and hear some informative art highlights. It’s just one more way we’re looking to further enhance these experiences for students of all ages.  

Read more about how this video came together with a behind-the-scenes look on our blog. 

In addition to these awards, the Detroit Institute of Arts was voted the nation’s best art museum in USA TODAY’s 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This marked the second consecutive year we have been honored with this prestigious title. It is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team, and to the vibrant, supportive community that surrounds us. Being voted as the best art museum in the country is not just an accolade for the DIA; it is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Detroit, the enduring spirit of its people, and the deep DIA’s dedication to serving you. 

These awards are a reflection of our ongoing commitment to excellence in all that we do. From groundbreaking exhibitions to innovative use of technology, we strive to provide our visitors with transformative experiences that resonate on a deep and personal level in and outside our building. Our achievements this year are a direct result of the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, the unwavering support of our patrons, and the vibrant creativity of our community. 

Let’s continue this journey of excellence by aiming for a third consecutive win in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! Watch our social media channels for an announcement about next year’s award and be sure to vote for the DIA. We are honored to serve you and work hard to provide you with an extraordinary visitor experience.