Join InsideOut Literary Arts for an immersive, hands-on creative writing workshop inspired by the exhibition Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971. Participants will explore the art, objects, film clips, and themes represented in the exhibition to draft creative pieces including short silent film “scripts” inspired by poetic forms. The workshop is designed for teens and adults.

Instructors:

• Alesyn McCall

An award-winning filmmaker/multidisciplinary artist with experience in education and performance. Alesyn holds her Bachelor of Arts from Howard University with a major in Television and Film Production and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Wayne State University.

• Shawntai Brown

A writer for screen and theater, Shawntai is co-creator of the collective Black LGBT+ Plays. Shawntai earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Literacy Learning from Marygrove College. Her award-winning short film Don't Break Up Over Text is currently in the festival circuit.

Join InsideOut Literary Arts and some of Detroit's finest youth and adult poets for a reading celebrating the creative and enduring legacy of African Americans in film, from its very beginning through the start of the Civil Rights Movement.

Inspired by Regeneration Black Cinema 1898 – 1971, the event will showcase new poetic works written during visits to the exhibition. Featuring performances by MARS Marshall. La Shaun phoenix Moore, Kahn Davison, Brittany Rogers, Scheherazade Washington Parrish, Charisma Holly, and Kya Mills.

The reading will take place in the Kresge Reception area, adjacent to the Regeneration galleries.

Join the DIA Teen Council for a fun night of pottery making and decorating! Using pinch and drapery techniques, each participant will create their own unique ceramic piece. This workshop is great for beginners and those with some pottery experience. Capacity limited to 25 people.

For teens 13–19 years old. Free food and beverage provided with registration. 

Please note: Each participant must pick up their artworks roughly two weeks after the event date. Additional instructions will be communicated to all attendees via email.

The Teen Arts Council invites teens ages 15-19, to join us for a special event inspired by Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971. After exploring the exhibition and engaging in a group discussion, participants will design and paint a custom tote bag that reflects messages of perseverance, resilience, and empowerment. Complimentary meal with registration. All supplies provided. 

Exhibition Overview

Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971 explores the history of African American filmmakers and actors from the dawn of cinema through the Civil Rights movement. The exhibition celebrates the innovations of filmmakers and actors despite challenges of racism, revealing their tenacity, talent, and commitment to creative expression.

Students and teachers will see photographs, costumes, props, and film clips, along with works by contemporary artists who respond to this history. 

Content Advisory

To tell a complete story of the racism Black people encountered, the exhibition includes a small selection of racist memorabilia from early 20th-century film history. This material is in several galleries, and includes but is not limited to: 

• a Birth of a Nation (1915) movie poster showing a Ku Klux Klan figure
• a few instances of Black actors performing in blackface
• a contemporary artwork by artist Kara Walker, who confronts the stereotypes and sexual violence in the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852) and its later film adaptations.

These artworks and films are intended to demonstrate the obstacles Black people faced, and caricatural representations of them. The majority of this exhibition counters this history, with images and stories of Black stars, filmmakers, and artists who challenged racism through their artistry and creativity. 

For more information and resources related to this content, please find a learning resource here.

The Nicholas Brothers in a scene from Stormy Weather (1943), from left, Fayard Nicholas and Harold Nicholas. Photographic print, gelatin silver. Courtesy Margaret Herrick Library. ©Twentieth Century Fox.
 

The DIA Teen Arts Council invites teens ages 13–19 for an opportunity to unleash their artistic talents by crafting landscape pictures using vibrant oil pastels. Teens will experiment with innovative techniques and gain fresh perspectives on the art of the landscape.

In addition to hands-on artmaking, attendees will have the unique chance to explore landscape art within the museum's inspiring collection. Expect a night of fun, exploration, and discovery (and snacks)! 
 

The Detroit Institute of Arts’ Teen Council formally invites teens, ages 13 – 19, to the Teen Gala! Enjoy a night filled with mingling with fellow teens, live musical performances, art making, dinner, and dancing. A special annual summit-style discussion with fellow youth councils in the metro Detroit area will give teens an opportunity to learn about local teen events held in their community. 

Dress Code: Formal 
 

Sponsored in part by the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation.

Join the Teen Council for a fun-filled night where you can let your imagination run wild! At this event, teens will receive a free journal and all the materials they will need to create their own fully personalized masterpiece.

Teens will learn how to combine journaling, organization, and daily planning in uniquely creative ways. Free snacks and treats will be served.

Limited supplies – please register today to reserve your spot! 

Presented by the DIA’s Teen Art Council, teenagers ages 13-19 are invited to join the Teen Council in exploring the art of printmaking. Including a private tour of the special exhibition Printmaking in the Twenty-First Century with Clare Rogan, Curator of Prints and Drawings, Department of Prints, Drawings and Photographs.

All supplies will be provided to create your own print to take home. Participation includes a free pizza dinner!  

Capacity is limited to 30 teens. 

Sponsored by The Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation

Image: "The Condition of Womanhood," 2019 — Chitra Ganesh

The DIA is excited to announce the 2023 Wayne County High School Art Exhibition! Students in grades 9-12 who attend public or private school in Wayne County are invited to submit artwork for consideration in this juried exhibition.

Approximately 70 artworks will be selected for display at the DIA. Accepted artists will be invited to an opening event and be provided with a catalogue of the show.

Click here to submit online