It’s heating up at the Detroit Institute of Arts in September with “Hot in Havana,” Friends of African and African American Art gala fundraiser celebrating Afro-Cuban culture

Updated Aug 10, 2017

August 10, 2017 (Detroit)—The Detroit Institute of Arts’ (DIA) auxiliary group Friends of African and African American Art (FAAAA) will celebrate Afro-Cuban art and culture with the gala fundraiser “Hot in Havana,”  Sept. 7 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., featuring the tastes, sounds and look of old Havana with a colorful and creative twist. Classic cars will be on display at the DIA’s John R entrance, and guests will be greeted by an entertaining group of performers. A VIP reception is at 6:30 p.m., followed by general admission at 7:30 p.m.

Guests will be treated to entertainment by the Sean Blackman band, whose style is influenced by its deep passion for traditional ethnic music from around the world. The evening will close with DJ MeMes spinning a contemporary vibe infused with world music selections.

The dress code is “colorful caliente (hot) cocktail attire,” meaning guests are encouraged to wear bright and bold colors for this lively event.

Immediately following the event, all guests are invited to an afterglow at La Casa Detroit. Located in the heart of Harmonie Park at 1502 Randolph Street, La Casa Detroit is an elegant and cozy cigar lounge, perfect for those who want to continue the celebration.

“Hot in Havana highlights the important work FAAAA does at the museum in helping us build connections between the community and our stellar collections of African and African American art,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “This vibrant event not only celebrates FAAAA’s impact, but also engages a new generation of art lovers with the auxiliary and the museum.”

Tickets for the VIP reception are $300 each and include complimentary valet parking, exclusive seating, open bar, a Cuban-inspired strolling dinner and a gift bag. General admission tickets are $125 each if purchased prior to Aug. 11 and $150 if purchased after that date. General admission tickets include a Cuban-inspired strolling dinner, open bar and limited seating. Tickets are available at the DIA Ticket Office, at dia.org/faaaa or by calling 313-833-4005.

Each year, FAAAA partners with the DIA’s curatorial staff to host educational programming and to honor individuals who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion and understanding of African American culture through the Alain L. Locke Awards program. The African Art Recognition Award is presented yearly to a distinguished scholar for his or her contributions to the study, collecting and appreciation of African art. Proceeds from Hot in Havana will go toward sponsoring DIA educational programs and acquiring art for the African and African American collections. For more information on how to get involved in FAAAA, visit www.dia.org/faaaa.

August 10, 2017 (Detroit)—The Detroit Institute of Arts’ (DIA) auxiliary group Friends of African and African American Art (FAAAA) will celebrate Afro-Cuban art and culture with the gala fundraiser “Hot in Havana,”  Sept. 7 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., featuring the tastes, sounds and look of old Havana with a colorful and creative twist. Classic cars will be on display at the DIA’s John R entrance, and guests will be greeted by an entertaining group of performers. A VIP reception is at 6:30 p.m., followed by general admission at 7:30 p.m.

Guests will be treated to entertainment by the Sean Blackman band, whose style is influenced by its deep passion for traditional ethnic music from around the world. The evening will close with DJ MeMes spinning a contemporary vibe infused with world music selections.

The dress code is “colorful caliente (hot) cocktail attire,” meaning guests are encouraged to wear bright and bold colors for this lively event.

Immediately following the event, all guests are invited to an afterglow at La Casa Detroit. Located in the heart of Harmonie Park at 1502 Randolph Street, La Casa Detroit is an elegant and cozy cigar lounge, perfect for those who want to continue the celebration.

“Hot in Havana highlights the important work FAAAA does at the museum in helping us build connections between the community and our stellar collections of African and African American art,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “This vibrant event not only celebrates FAAAA’s impact, but also engages a new generation of art lovers with the auxiliary and the museum.”

Tickets for the VIP reception are $300 each and include complimentary valet parking, exclusive seating, open bar, a Cuban-inspired strolling dinner and a gift bag. General admission tickets are $125 each if purchased prior to Aug. 11 and $150 if purchased after that date. General admission tickets include a Cuban-inspired strolling dinner, open bar and limited seating. Tickets are available at the DIA Ticket Office, at dia.org/faaaa or by calling 313-833-4005.

Each year, FAAAA partners with the DIA’s curatorial staff to host educational programming and to honor individuals who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion and understanding of African American culture through the Alain L. Locke Awards program. The African Art Recognition Award is presented yearly to a distinguished scholar for his or her contributions to the study, collecting and appreciation of African art. Proceeds from Hot in Havana will go toward sponsoring DIA educational programs and acquiring art for the African and African American collections. For more information on how to get involved in FAAAA, visit www.dia.org/faaaa.