Detroit artists market flooding
On January 29, 2025, the Detroit Artists Market (DAM) announced a temporary closure due to severe flood damage caused by a burst pipe. The incident resulted in freshwater inundating the gallery for several hours, leading to significant infrastructure damage. Fortunately, the artwork in the gift shop, storage areas, and pieces prepared for the upcoming “Dope Women in Media” exhibition remained largely unharmed.
Executive Director Miah J. Davis expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the extensive damage to the space while expressing gratitude that artwork loss was minimal. She highlighted the resilience of the DAM community and its commitment to continue serving artists and the public, despite the challenges posed by the flood.
The gallery is currently assessing the full extent of the damage and is uncertain about when it will be able to safely reopen to the public. In the meantime, DAM is seeking support from the community to aid in its recovery efforts. They have set a fundraising goal of $35,000 to cover immediate needs, including temporary facility rentals, offsite exhibition planning and installation, and to help offset business losses. Additionally, they are accepting in-kind donations such as exhibition and office furniture, installation tools, and technology. The organization is also on the lookout for a temporary space in Detroit to host their 2025 exhibitions and programs.
This incident is a significant setback for DAM, which has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s art community for 93 years. The flood has disrupted long-planned exhibitions, directly affecting curators and artists who were looking forward to showcasing their work this year. Notably, exhibitions like “Dope Women in Media,” “Girlhood,” and the “Detroit Artists Market Annual Scholarship Exhibition” are now at risk, underscoring the urgent need for a stable and reliable temporary space to honor these commitments.
The Detroit Artists Market is not alone in facing such challenges. In recent years, several of Detroit’s cultural institutions have grappled with flood-related damages. For instance, in 2021, the Detroit Historical Museum in Midtown experienced significant flooding that affected its basement and several exhibits. Staff had to uninstall and relocate exhibits to prevent further damage, highlighting the vulnerability of cultural institutions to such natural disasters.
Similarly, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History faced water damage that affected approximately 35,000 artworks and artifacts. While the majority of the collection remained unscathed, the incident underscored the risks that such institutions face and the importance of proactive measures to protect invaluable cultural assets.
These incidents highlight the broader challenges that Detroit’s cultural institutions face concerning infrastructure vulnerabilities and the increasing frequency of severe weather events. As climate change contributes to more unpredictable weather patterns, the city’s aging infrastructure is often ill-equipped to handle such stresses, leading to incidents like the one at DAM.
The community’s response to these challenges has been one of resilience and solidarity. In the face of adversity, Detroit’s art institutions and their supporters have consistently rallied together to recover and rebuild. The current situation at the Detroit Artists Market is a testament to this enduring spirit, as the organization seeks assistance to continue its mission of supporting artists and enriching the cultural fabric of the city.
For those interested in supporting the Detroit Artists Market during this challenging time, contributions can be made through their official channels. Community support is crucial to ensure that DAM can continue to serve as a vital platform for artists and a cultural hub for the Detroit community.
As the Detroit Artists Market embarks on its recovery journey, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting and safeguarding cultural institutions. These organizations not only preserve and promote art but also foster community, education, and cultural enrichment. Ensuring their resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges is essential for the continued vibrancy of Detroit’s cultural landscape. image/detroitartistsmarket
