The Visiting Committee for European Sculpture and Decorative Arts explores European works of art from the Middle Ages through the mid 19th century in all their variety: the picture frame as well as the picture, the sculpture and the table it sits on, the carpet on the floor and the parquet underneath. Our diverse membership includes active collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts committed to increasing their knowledge of the decorative arts and sculpture through varied programs and travel opportunities.

Become involved in the rewarding tradition of supporting the Detroit Film Theatre. The Friends of the Detroit Film Theatre (FDFT) is dedicated to cultivating awareness, appreciation, understanding and knowledge of the cinematic medium and its history.

Our group is dedicated to supporting the activities of the Department of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs and to developing the DIA collection. Each year a schedule of varied educational and social programs is created around the many exhibitions presented by the department and from the museum’s collection of 35,000 prints, drawings, and photographs.

Friends of Modern and Contemporary Art (FMCA), the museum’s oldest auxiliary, supports and enhances the DIA’s James Pearson Duffy Department of ​Modern and Contemporary Art by promoting a better understanding of modern and contemporary art. FMCA also creates fundraising initiatives that contribute to the purchases of important new works of art in diverse mediums. 

The FMCA has commissioned several works from leading contemporary artists, including Yoko Ono and Robert Morris.

The DIA’s Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures (FAAC) is a group of patrons and friends who are committed to fostering understanding and appreciation of the diverse visual and material cultures of Asia, the Islamic World, and the Ancient Middle East. 

FAAC sponsors a variety of programs celebrating the diversity of Asia, the Islamic World, and the Ancient Middle East, including cultural performances, artist demonstrations, and lectures by leading scholars. FAAC also helps to fund the acquisition of works of art for the DIA's permanent collections. 

One of the DIA’s oldest auxiliaries, the Friends of African and African American Art originated as the African Art Gallery Committee in 1962. Marc Crawford, Arthur D. Coar and Willis F. Woods were the founders. The first chairman and vice-chairman were Arthur D. Coar and Governor G. Mennen Williams, respectively. Our initial mission was to acquire art for the establishment of a new gallery dedicated to the traditional art of Africa.

Founders Junior Council (FJC) is a group of young professionals dedicated to introducing young adults to the Detroit Institute of Arts and encouraging a lifelong involvement through a variety of fundraisers and social events organized around the museum’s world-class collection and special exhibitions. All funds raised go to support the DIA.

The European Paintings Council aims to cultivate greater interest in the Detroit Institute of Arts specifically through the museum’s renowned collection of European paintings. The Council offers an annual series of programs that feature our permanent collection of European paintings thereby enabling members to learn more about various aspects of this encyclopedic collection. The programming features focused gallery tours, lectures by staff and guest scholars.

The Friends of Art & Flowers (FAF) is a dedicated group of members who share a deep connection with art and flowers. With a primary goal to beautify the museum with flowers, members of FAF create floral arrangements throughout the fall and into spring. Prior experience in floral design is not required.