Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) has announced a call for submissions for the 13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos exhibition. This event is organized in collaboration with the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit, the Southwest Detroit Business Association, and the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation (CDC). The exhibition aims to educate visitors about ofrendas and the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead by inviting artists and community members to showcase how they remember and honor their deceased loved ones.

Participants are invited to submit designs for an ofrenda altar that demonstrate artistic intent, creative merit, and alignment with Día de Muertos values. Julie McFarland, Executive Director of Public Affairs & Community Engagement at DIA, stated, "Each year, Ofrendas: Celebrating el Dia de Muertos provides a meaningful space for storytelling, remembrance and artistic expression." She added that the exhibition celebrates cultural identity through individual creativity and shared community traditions.

Submissions can be made via a form available in English and Spanish until June 15, 2025. A committee comprising local community members and DIA staff will review proposals. Selected artists will be notified by July.

Key dates include:

- June 15: Submission deadline

- July: Notification of selected artists

- Week of September 15: Installation at DIA

- September 27: Exhibition opening

- November 2: Closing with an artist talk and reception

Selected participants will receive a $500 stipend. Further details are available on DIA's website. General admission is free for museum members and residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.