Downriver Council for the Arts
Where Creativity Meets Opportunity
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our role is to make accessible and available opportunities for our Downriver community to engage in the inspirational growth, learning and development which emerges from the advocacy and promotion of the arts and cultural exchanges. We actively support local artists and performers through artistic outreach programs and special promotional opportunities. The DCA also creates regional partnerships with other cultural organizations, schools and service clubs to promote artistic, cultural and special events throughout Southeast Michigan. We hold these activities in our Arts Center and by operating in the various cities we serve. Through each program and event held at the DCA we seek to increase knowledge and understanding of art and ourselves, improve skills by participants, change one’s attitude or values, give enjoyment, inspiration, and creativity. We welcome all people including youth of all ages, disabled people, underserved/minority populations, and social conscious groups.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Community Engagement
The DCA has used many ways to engage artists and the broader community to take part in arts and cultural activities. To reach to the broader community, the DCA has maintained partnerships with local arts and cultural groups, engagements with the DIA, satellite art exhibits in public spaces and more. We create regional partnerships with cultural organizations, schools, and service clubs to promote artistic, cultural and special events the area.
Community Gallery - The Community Gallery on the lower level of the Arts Center is space dedicated on the lower level of our facility for hosting art exhibits for non-profit organizations, school and educational institutions, and community associations free of charge. These exhibits are free and open to the public to attend.
Satellite Galleries - The DCA is committed to connecting art to the community and another way we accomplish this is by providing off-site exhibit space in unexpected places. Curating in nontraditional spaces provides new opportunities for people to engage with work outside of the context of our gallery, opening this creative engagement to a broader audience.
The DCA partners with others in the community to provide opportunities for artists. The DCA teamed up with the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge to hold a contest for a stained glass window design to be installed in the refuge’s new visitor center in Trenton. The DCA also paired with the Kroger Company to find a professional artist to create indoor mural artwork for the new Kroger Marketplace store in Southgate. The DCA also participates in numerous community events and festivals.
MAIN GALLERY
In addition to our Community Gallery on the lower level, our first floor Main Gallery hosts solo, groups, retrospectives, and themed shows where the artwork is for sale. All exhibits and receptions for both galleries are free and open to the public.Our goal to create complete artist and patron experiences with a visual art exhibit, artist demonstrations, panel discussions and workshops. Groups, organizations and individual artists are welcome to submit exhibit proposals. We like to feature a mix of exhibits in our main gallery – submitted proposals and DCA sponsored themed open call for entries.
Youth Programming
The DCA has long been a leader in producing quality programming that increases knowledge, provides
enjoyment, and is accessible to everyone, including our youth.
Youth Arts Council
In October of 2017, the DCA was accepted into the Youth Driven Space Initiative presented by Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor. This initiative provides free training and support for arts-based organizations across Michigan to build a youth advisory council and help them empower
youth in new leadership roles. The DCA Youth Arts Council is a newly established group of young artists
from around the Downriver community who are dedicated to promoting and participating in the visual
and performing arts. Their mission is to grow and nurture a community of local budding artists, as well as to give young people a safe, wholesome, and beneficial environment to express themselves in. The goal is not only to recruit and retain members to our organization, but to encourage young people to explore and expose
themselves to art in all its various shapes and forms. Many of the youth in the community do not otherwise have access to a gallery space, or a venue, or the tools and equipment they need to advance their creative talents. We want to attract teens from a diverse ethnic and cultural background so all of the youth involved at the DCA can benefit from a variety of art forms. We
hope that by providing them the resources they need to thrive, they in turn will continue to be active participants and contributors to the arts and culture of Downriver. To currently see what our DCA Youth Arts Council is up to, check out the Instagram account, which is managed by members in the group. @dc4ayouth
After School Art Classes
These classes are held after school hours at the Arts Center as a way to offer students a more in depth art education. These classes offer 4-week lessons in painting, drawing, mixed media and sculpting for 7-15 year olds. These classes were conceived in the Fall of 2016 with
one of our resident artists teaching the program. Steadily growing each year, in 2018 we now offer 2 sessions, one for 7-11 year olds and 12-15 year olds. Enrollment almost doubled from 2017 to 2018, averaging about 19 children per session.
Youth Summer Camps
The Downriver Council for the Arts' summer camp program is designed to explore the exciting world of
art and creativity through a wide range of multi-media activities. Campers work with certified instructors and professional artists to produce unique and original works of art, explore diverse themes and art media, focus on the creative process, and develop their imagination and creativity - all while learning collaboration, experimentation, critical thinking, and problem solving. In 2018, we are offering exciting sessions like Acrylic, Acting, Art Journaling, Sewing, Cartooning, Clay, Printmaking, Sculpture, Steampunk, Weaving.
Downriver Detroit Student Film Consortium
The DDSFC was founded in 2016 by retired police detective and DCA board member Scott A. Galeski. Galeski was a judge of several student film festivals
when he discovered that students from Detroit and
Downriver were not equally represented in student
film festivals due to lack of funding for film programs
in their schools. He recruited an eclectic mix of
students from area schools. The students meet once a
week at the Downriver Council for the Arts and for six
months learn every facet of filmmaking where the
students will write, direct, act and produce their own
projects. Since its inception, the DDSFC has won 29 awards and have screened in film festivals throughout the country. In 2017 DDSFC student Joshua Bzura won a scholarship the University of Detroit/Mercy for award winning music video. In 2018 the student’s project “You Don’t Know Me” was officially selected as the only student film to screen at the Cinetopia Film Festival Detroit Voices. The DDSFC prides itself on its diversity and is FREE for the students involved. This one-of-a-kind program is
funded out of pocket, with community donations and a volunteer staff. The DCA is proud to host this group of youth and their families in our facility. Some of these students have shown interest in other areas of art and are considering joining our DCA Youth Arts Council and involving their schools in our School Art Exhibits.
OTHER YOUTH PROGRAMS
Girl Scout Badge Earning Workshops - The DCA has hosted Girl Scout workshops since October 2015.
After doing research and finding that no one in the Downriver area was offering badge workshops,
board member Cheryl Alt met with a representative of the organization to find out the requirements
for each of the arts related badges and developed a series of workshops to fulfill them. Troops traveled
from all over Michigan, including areas like Flint, Waterford and Clinton Township. In 2016, we had 9
workshops that brought in 179 girls from Brownies to Senior level scouts. All materials are provided
and registration is done through the GSSEM. Six workshops were conducted in the spring of 2017
and more are being scheduled for the future.
Kendama in the D
Glow Fish Studios, one of our downtown Wyandotte neighbors and cultural partners, is the largest
brick & mortar Kendama supplier in the Midwest. A Kendama is a japanese toy with a handle, ball on a
string and 3 cups that combine for endless trick possibilities. DCA hosts the annual tournament
sponsored by Glow Fish that attracts hundreds of youth, allowing us to introduce them to the arts. In 2017, they expanded the tournament to 2 full days at the Arts Center.
Other Highlights
MAIN GALLERY
The Downriver Council for the Arts (DCA) has two gallery spaces. Our first floor Main Gallery hosts solo, groups, retrospectives, and themed shows where the artwork is for sale. The DCA also has space on the lower level of our facility dedicated to hosting art exhibits for non-profit organizations, school and educational institutions, and community associations. Scheduling of these exhibits often coincide with our main gallery exhibits in hopes that patrons will explore both and perhaps engage in a new experience. All exhibits and receptions for both galleries are free and open to the public.
Exhibitions in our Main Gallery hosts solo, groups, retrospectives, and themed shows where the artwork is for sale. Our goal to create complete artist and patron experiences with a visual art exhibit, artist demonstrations, panel discussions and workshops. Groups, organizations and individual artists
are welcome to submit exhibit proposals. We like to feature a mix of exhibits in our main gallery –
submitted proposals and DCA sponsored themed open call for entries. A few exhibits we have highlighted here are:
Native American Art
May 2018: The DCA in partnership with American Indian
Services was proud to present an art exhibit featuring Native American Art. The Opening Reception featured The Painted Rock Drum and cash and carry items made by the elders and the youth in the Native Community. Many of the artists had not exhibited before and were honored to have their work displayed in a gallery.
Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors: Artistic Endeavors
May 2017: The Detroit Society of Women Painters and
Sculptors (DSWPS) is one of the oldest self-sustaining
women's art organizations in the United States, having
been founded by Lillian Burk Meeser on February 23,
1903. This prestigious group of talented artists curated
and juried this exhibit for their members. Many of their
artists are from north of Detroit and enjoyed having a
new opportunity to show their work Downriver. More
information on DSWPS can be found at www.dswps.org.
Interpretations II: Growing Old on the Street
January 2017: 19 Detroit area artists worked in various
styles and media and created artwork based on a
corresponding photograph by Tim Tonachella, a Detroit
native, displaced auto worker and legally blind artist.
Through images of street musicians, homeless
individuals, architectural structures, and daily urban
life, the photographs document the survival and
resilience of people living on the streets.
MORE HIGHLIGHTS
ART-O-MAT®
It took a year of fundraising and volunteering from some very dedicated DCA members and artists to bring Art-o-mat® Downriver in March of 2016. Many volunteers created small bits of art that we sold in $5 Art Grab Bags to raise the money needed purchase the machine. We are proud to host this machine containing artwork from artists all over the world! Art-o-mat® machines are retired cigarette vending machines that have been converted to vend art. There are over 100 active machines in various locations throughout the world.
About 400 contributing artists are currently involved. As if the experience of pulling the knob and hearing “kurplunk” isn’t fun enough, you also walk away with an original work of art. What an easy way to become an art collector - the art is only $5 a piece!
A signature place-making event for the DCA and the downriver economy is the Downriver Indie Craft Fair (DICF). DICF is a 2-day event in March where over 50
independent crafters, artists and makers showcase their wares on 3 floors throughout our beautiful 100+ year old historic building. The DCA is able to connect the artists to the community with this highly curated showcase of
modern craft and design allowing attendees to see items ranging from vintage and handmade clothing and jewelry to plush toys, ceramics, printmaking, comics, artisan soaps, face painting, treats and food. We charge $2 per patron at the door to attend this event. We attract approximately 1,500 attendees and artist vendors from all over Michigan and Northwest Ohio, with the most concentration in Southeast Michigan. Beginning as a
“friend raiser” in 2013, this event has grown into a much-anticipated annual event. This event helps us
reach the 25-50 year old demographic, and we experienced a 104% growth rate of attendees and an
84% growth in profit from 2015 to 2017.
CHESTNUT ART FAIR
The DCA had its first annual Chestnut Art Fair in 2015. Held in conjunction with the Wyandotte Street Art Fair during the second weekend each July, the Chestnut Art Fair has a vibrant collection of artists, crafters, performers, live creators and street food in a fun
and casual block party outside on Chestnut Street and inside the
DCA building. Our goal is to offer an eclectic mix of makers and performers, different from the traditional art fair vendors in the larger event. We are able to provide room for about 40 artist vendors and a place for street entertainers and buskers. Casual and fun, this event is a great opportunity for artists and musicians to sample vending an art fair without the cost and time usually involved with larger events. It is free for attendees and a great way to get the public into and familiar with the DCA!
Where we work
External reviews
Photos
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planLearn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Goal 1: Strengthen Our Assets
Goal 2: Take Action
Goal 3: Tell Others
Goal 4: Reach Out
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Goal 1: Strengthen Our Assets
Assess, evaluate and create an expanded infrastructure in the following areas: Development, Facilities, Financials, Gallery, Marketing, Membership, Programming and Volunteer Efforts.
Develop solid policies, procedures and plans in the afore mentioned areas which capitalize on the leadership of the Executive Director and a cross-trained core of active Board of Directors, resident artists and volunteers.
Grow facility usage opportunities through renovation and creation.
Strategically activate volunteer levels to match the need to allow the DCA to grow.
Goal 2: Take Action
Stabilize financially.
Goal 3: Tell Others
Increase Visibility, Identity, Recognizability and Presence throughout our service area and beyond.
Goal 4: Reach Out
Broaden accessibility and exposure of the arts to more populations in the Downriver Detroit area.
Increase opportunities for collaboration and establish renewed connections with business partners, community partners and other institutions and systems which may hold mutually sustainable or symbiotic relationships to benefit the Downriver community.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We share the feedback we received with the people we serve, We tell the people who gave us feedback how we acted on their feedback, We ask the people who gave us feedback how well they think we responded
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, We don’t have the right technology to collect and aggregate feedback efficiently, The people we serve tell us they find data collection burdensome, It is difficult to find the ongoing funding to support feedback collection, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time, It is difficult to get honest feedback from the people we serve, It is difficult to identify actionable feedback
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Downriver Council for the Arts
Board of directorsas of 05/24/2023
Ms. Michele Porter
Dale Cook
Linda Soules
James DeSana
Rob Bovitz
Waltraud Prechter
Jan Dunbar
Scott A. Galeski
Michele Porter
Ayana King
Anthony Harrison
Travis Reiff
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
Equity strategies
Last updated: 05/24/2023GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race.
- We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and / or portfolios.
- We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization's programs, portfolios, and the populations served.
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
- We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured.
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity.
- We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.