The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit on Woodward in Midtown is about to turn 7, and it has established itself as an important center for new and edgy art, music, literature and film, according to Mark Stryker of the Free Press.
Stryker writes MOCAD's exhibitions have attracted international attention, and it has become a locus of urban energy and a magnet for the young creative types who are helping to re-imagine Detroit — including artists who have been moving into the city in droves in recent years.
"With new executive and artistic leadership and a re-energized board, the museum is reinventing itself from the ground up. It’s shoring up its flimsy organizational infrastructure, installing best-practice management and fund-raising procedures and committing itself for the first time to true audience engagement and education. At the same, the museum’s evolving exhibition program promises to reach deeper into Detroit’s political, social and cultural identity."
MOCAD's new show opens tonight. It's “The Past is Present,” a display of new murals conceived by 15 international artists inspired by Detroit history and Diego Rivera’s iconic “Detroit Industry” murals at the DIA. Organized by New Yorker Jens Hoffmann, 39, who joined the museum in January as guest curator, the show puts an exclamation point on what has been a whirlwind nine months for the museum.
Read Deadline Detroit's story last month on "The Past is Present" by clicking here.
Tonight's Opening Night Reception: 6-9 p.m. today. Free for MOCAD members; $5 suggested admission. $5 for all visitors after 9 p.m. with musical performances by Breezee One and Isles of ESP.
Museum of Contemporary Art, 4454 Woodward. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu.-Fri. 313-832-6622.
