May 11, 2020 (Detroit)—The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate of Detroit, extends an open call for proposals to create ofrenda altars, or offerings, honoring the life and memory of lost loved ones as part of a celebration of the traditions of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead).

This is the eighth consecutive year the DIA has presented “Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos” consisting of ofrendas created by local artists. This year it is scheduled to be on view Sept. 26 –Nov. 8.

In Mexico and other Latin American countries, the Day of the Dead celebrates the lives of close relatives, friends or community members who have died. Objects important to lost loved ones, such as favorite foods, drinks, mementos and pictures, are collected and incorporated into elaborate displays that include pan de muerto (bread of the dead), sugar skulls, candles, flowers, papel picado (paper cutouts) and other decorations.

Proposals are due by Monday, July 6 at 5 p.m. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee of museum staff and local community members. Selected artists will be notified by Friday, July 10.

Artists who wish to submit their proposals can do so at https://www.dia.org/ofrendasproposals2020.

Aquellos artistas que deseen mandar su propuesta en espanol, pueden hacerlo llenando la forma en espanol en https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKDE2O_lwjDEdFMo3pCp1bw3bG3RqN....

Please note that to participate, artists must be available to install their ofrenda on Sept 20, 21, or 22 and to deinstall and remove all materials on Nov. 8. Selected artists will also be required to participate in a Q&A session on Nov. 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. to provide insights into the inspiration for their ofrenda. Some procedures and programs may be modified depending on social distancing measures in place at the time of the exhibition.

This program is in partnership with Consulado de Carrera de Mexico en Detroit.