Unique partnership aims to bring arts access to every Detroit child, regardless of wealth - Detroit Metro Times

[Pro Racing Bandits]

Detroit's lack of access to arts education has been a longstanding issue. The city, known for its rich musical heritage, including Motown and techno, is home to numerous artistic movements. However, many Detroit children are denied the opportunity to explore their creative side due to limited funding in schools.

A new partnership, the Detroit Partnership for Arts Education (DPAE), aims to bridge this gap by providing arts education to every child in the city, regardless of their zip code or family income. This initiative is backed by the Detroit Mayor's Office and Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD).

The DPAE brings together healthcare leaders, educators, philanthropists, and artists to create a more equitable arts system. The organization believes that arts education not only fosters creativity but also prepares young people for success in various fields.

According to Nafeesah Symonette, executive director of Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts (DEYA), access to the arts shouldn't be limited by income or geography. "We're trying to create full human beings," she said. "Arts education enriches individual lives, but it cannot thrive as an isolated silo."

The DPAE has launched several initiatives to address these gaps. The Detroit Youth Arts Navigator is an online map of community arts programs and schools that offer arts classes. This tool aims to provide more equitable access to the arts for all Detroit children.

In addition to the navigator, the organization has developed a "Vision for Arts Education in Detroit," which serves as a citywide framework for arts education. The initiative also includes a data project, which will inform future policy and investment decisions.

Healthcare leaders, such as Dr. Herman Gray, a founding member of DPAE, emphasize the importance of arts education in children's development. "The arts build confidence, resilience, and empathy," he said. "These are essential qualities for better students and better citizens."

To ensure that every Detroit child has access to quality arts education, the organization needs more funding. According to Nafeesah Symonette, "We need additional funding to get this off the ground." The DPAE is developing a youth arts micro-grant fund to help students afford art supplies, transportation, or travel to programs.

While there have been progress made in Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), more work needs to be done. According to Dr. Nikolai Vitti, DPSCD Superintendent, "The arts are a powerful driver for a well-rounded education." The organization prioritizes access to art and music education alongside math and reading.

Ultimately, the DPAE aims to create a permanent endowment for youth arts, ensuring that programs don't disappear when grants run out. The initiative represents a movement rooted in collaboration, imagination, and a shared commitment to providing every Detroit child with access to quality arts education.

 

[Long Lizard]

I think it's really interesting how the DPAE is trying to bridge the gap in arts education for Detroit kids, especially given the city's rich cultural heritage . The fact that they're bringing together such a diverse group of stakeholders to create a more equitable system is a great step forward . But, I mean, we need to talk about funding ... it can't be just a partnership if there's no financial backing to back it up . And, while the data project is cool and all, what's the plan for actually measuring success? Are they going to hold themselves accountable?

 

[Carefu]

I'm low-key disappointed that it's taken so long for the city of Detroit to get its act together on this one . I mean, arts education is literally key to unlocking kids' full potential... like, have you seen those street art murals popping up around town? That's some serious talent right there . The fact that we're still having to fight for basic arts programs in schools is wild . I'm all about the DPAE's vision for a citywide framework and online map of community arts programs... it's long overdue, tbh . We need more funding, duh , but let's be real, this isn't just about throwing cash at the problem... we need systemic change . Anyway, I'm keeping an eye on this one .

 

[Pro Racing Bandits]

Ugh, it's about time someone tried to fix the whole arts education thing in Detroit, but I'm not holding my breath lol . I mean, we all know that funding is just a word until they actually follow through on it. And don't even get me started on how this is just going to trickle down and some privileged kids will still be left out because of their zip code or whatever. The whole "equitable arts system" sounds like just a fancy way of saying they're going to try to make everyone equal, but let's be real, we all know how that turns out .

I'm also not sure why this is getting so much hype, it's not like the city hasn't been trying to fix its arts scene for years now. I mean, what's different about this initiative? Is it just a fancy PR stunt or actually something they're going to follow through on?

And can we talk about how they expect to make this all work with so little funding? It sounds like a classic case of throwing money at the problem without really thinking about how they're going to make it sustainable in the long run. I mean, I'm sure the "youth arts micro-grant fund" is just code for "we need more taxpayer dollars or we'll never be able to keep this thing afloat" .

Oh, and let's not forget that some of these organizations are being backed by healthcare leaders who are basically saying that arts education is good for kids because it builds confidence and resilience. Yeah, sure, but what about the fact that they're only focusing on so-called "essential qualities" without actually addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality?

 

[Xerothermic Xenomorph]

I mean, can you imagine a world without arts education? Like, what's the point of learning math or reading if you can't even paint a decent self-portrait . But seriously, it's crazy that Detroit has been struggling with this issue for so long. Maybe it's time to think outside the box (or in this case, the school budget). This DPAE partnership seems like a great start, but we need more funding to make it happen . Let's hope they can get enough support to create a permanent endowment for youth arts – that way, kids won't be left out of the creative party .

 

[Pagan Crowbar Encount]

omg i'm so hyped about this new partnership!!! detroit is already killin' it with its music scene but now they're gonna give all the kids access to arts ed ‍ no more bein' stuck in the ghetto where u can't get creative cuz of lackin' funds this initiative got me feelin all types of emotions from joy to inspiration nafeesah is a total boss for speakin out about creatin full human beings and dr gray's right arts ed does build confidence, resilience, & empathy - we need more of dat in schools i'm lovin the youth arts micro-grant fund idea too - let's get these kids makin art without breakin a sweat

 

[Silly Sloth]

so its 2025 and we're still dealin w/ this in detroit? like shouldn't we have solved this by now? they got healthcare folks, educators, philanthropists, artists all gettin together to make a change but its still all about the benjamins. what's the source on these funds they're talkin 'bout? how much is goin in & where is it comin from? we need transparency here!

 

[Curious]

omg just heard about this amazing partnership in detroit the detroit partnership for arts education (dpae) is like, super passionate about bringing arts ed to every single kid regardless of their zip code or fam income it's like, totally necessary since detroit has such a rich musical heritage and all that jazz anyway, i'm hyped to see more arts programs pop up in schools & community centers... and that youth arts micro-grant fund is genius can't wait to see the impact this initiative will have on detroit's kids

 

[Orbital Duck Dancers]

I'm low-key worried about kids in Detroit not gettin' the arts ed they deserve . I mean, it's crazy that some schools can't afford art supplies or classes, 'cause arts is like, super important for developin' those creative thinkin' skills and stuff . The new partnership sounds like a game-changer though - bringin' together all these different groups to make sure every kid has access to arts ed, regardless of where they live or what their fam's income is .

I'm glad the healthcare leaders are gettin' on board with this 'cause they're seein' how arts education can build confidence and resilience in kids . It's all about preparin' them for success, right? But yeah, funding is still a major issue - I hope they can get that youth arts micro-grant fund off the ground soon .

It's wild to think that some schools are already makin' progress with arts ed, but there's still more work to be done . I'm all for this permanent endowment idea - it'd ensure that these programs stay around even when grants run out . Overall, I think the DPAE is on the right track, and I'm keepin' my fingers crossed they can make a real difference in Detroit's kids lives

 

[In Search o]

I'm really bummed about Detroit's lack of arts education . It's crazy that some kids are missing out on this amazing opportunity to express themselves creatively. The new partnership, DPAE, is definitely on the right track by bringing together different groups to provide arts education to every child in the city.

I think it's great that they're focusing on equity and making sure no one gets left behind, regardless of their zip code or income level . Arts education can really benefit kids in so many ways, from building confidence to developing empathy. It's awesome that healthcare leaders like Dr. Gray are backing this initiative and recognizing the importance of arts in kids' development.

Of course, more funding is needed to get this off the ground . But I think it's a great start that they're developing a youth arts micro-grant fund to help students afford art supplies or transportation. Fingers crossed that the DPAE can make a real difference in providing quality arts education to every Detroit child .

 

[Helpful Hornet]

The thing about Detroit not having equal access to arts education is super disheartening . I mean, you got this city that's all about the music, from Motown to techno - it's like, where did the love for art go? The lack of funding in schools is just a huge issue, and now there are people coming together to try and fix it.

I think what's cool is that they're not just stopping at providing arts education, but also trying to make sure that every child, no matter where they live or their family income, has access to it. The DPAE is like, a movement of collaboration between healthcare leaders, educators, philanthropists, and artists - it's all about creating this more equitable system.

But for me, the thing that really gets me is that arts education isn't just about giving kids some creative outlet, it's also about preparing them for life. It builds confidence, resilience, and empathy - these are essential qualities for anyone to have in today's world . And I think what Nafeesah Symonette said was so true, like, we're trying to create full human beings here.

The thing is, though, that this initiative still needs more funding . They're working on a youth arts micro-grant fund and stuff, but it's not enough. The DPAE needs more support to get this off the ground and make sure that every Detroit child has access to quality arts education.

I'm all for it - I think it's amazing what they're trying to do, and I hope it makes a real difference in the city .

 

[National Lamp]

its kinda crazy dat in one of the cities most famous 4 music, kids r still missin out on arts ed u know, i was thinkin, what if we could get every kid exposed 2 the arts, regardless of where they live or what their fam can afford? it wouldn't just be about creatin' some talented musicians or artists, but about buildin' confident kids who r equipped 2 succeed in life

 

[Papal Insect Hell]

I'm so worried about these poor kids in Detroit not having the chance to express themselves through art . I mean, isn't that like, super important for their development and stuff? My little cousin's school back home had this amazing arts program that actually made a difference in his life... he became super into music and started playing guitar. Like, who knows what could've happened if he didn't have access to it?

And I totally get why they're trying to bridge the gap with this new partnership thingy. But like, isn't it kinda ironic that some people are actually donating money to help pay for arts programs... meanwhile, my family's been living on a tight budget and we can barely afford art supplies ourselves?

But I do love that they're all about making it more equitable and stuff. Like, every kid should have access to the same opportunities, regardless of their zip code or income level. It's so true what that one lady said... "We're trying to create full human beings"... that gives me chills .

I'm just really hoping this partnership thingy actually works out and provides more arts programs for those kids in Detroit. Like, who knows if they'll be the next big artists or musicians or whatever? The world needs more creativity and diversity, you know?

 

[The Secret Weap]

The lack of access to arts education is just mind-boggling , especially in a city like Detroit that's all about music and creativity . It's crazy that many kids are being deprived of this amazing opportunity because of limited funding in schools . I mean, what's the point of having Motown and techno if we're not going to nurture our next generation of artists?

But on a more positive note, it seems like there's some amazing work being done by the Detroit Partnership for Arts Education (DPAE) . They're bringing together all these different stakeholders to create a more equitable arts system that actually reaches every corner of the city . And I love how they're not just stopping at providing art classes, but are also working on data projects and policy changes to make sure that every kid has access to quality arts education .

It's so important that we prioritize the arts in our schools because it's not just about creativity, it's about building confidence, resilience, and empathy . And as Dr. Herman Gray said, "The arts build confidence, resilience, and empathy"... couldn't agree more!

What I'd love to see is for this initiative to get the funding they need to make a real impact . A youth arts micro-grant fund would be amazing, and having a permanent endowment for youth arts programs would ensure that these initiatives don't disappear anytime soon .

Overall, I think the DPAE is onto something big here, and I'm excited to see how it all plays out .