Arts&Life
culture
62 | SEPTEMBER 17 • 2020
I
n pandemic terms, summer has been a
significant time for the Detroit Cultural
Center, where the community again can
find inspiration and solace from in-person
experiences with various forms of creative
expression.
Doors began opening once more —
although not all the way — by institutions
adhering to restrictions imposed to protect
the health of employees and guests. Doner,
the Southfield-based ad agency, used its
resources to produce a video, Culture Can’
t
Wait, that reminds the community of what
can be accessed.
Sascha Raiyn of WDET narrated the
attractions of the Detroit Institute of
Arts (DIA), Charles H. Wright Museum
of African American History, Detroit
Historical Museum, Michigan Science
Center, Hellenic Museum of Michigan, The
Scarab Club, Detroit Public Library and
Carr Center.
Also going along with safety consid-
erations, only a crew of two worked on
the video that provides reminders of how
culture “moves us forward” as a “record of
survival.
” The narration affirms: “The more
we create against all odds, the more we dis-
cover our inner strength.
”
Whether showcasing artistry from
across the centuries at the DIA, offering a
current exhibit about Greece’
s role in Nazi
Germany’
s defeat at the Hellenic Museum
of Michigan or displaying artifacts from
the Motor City’
s past at the Detroit
Historical Museum, presenters invite mem-
bers of the Michigan community to return.
“What is different [about being open
during the pandemic] depends on the
institution, but we all worked with the
National Sanitation Foundation for coming
up with playbooks, guidelines
and protocols for keeping
visitors and staff safe,
” said
Felicia Eisenberg Molnar, DIA
executive director of strategic
initiatives.
“The guidelines that were
developed are in synch with
the governor’
s emergency orders so there
are specific capacity loads inside buildings
which are being adhered to. People have to
wear masks to meet state requirements for
staff and visitors, and the food service is
not open.
”
At the DIA, there is advance-timed
ticketing as the visiting level has been at
20 percent of capacity. Prospective visitors
can go to the website to check whether
preferred times are available. The other
institutions can be contacted to learn about
their altered hours.
“The work of cultural center planning
initiatives was begun about two years ago,
”
said Molnar, who attends Congregation
Shir Tikvah in Troy. “The cultural planning
group has been meeting over many issues,
and that’
s how this video came about as
overseen by Midtown Detroit Inc.
“The video is a beautiful effort by Doner
to create synergy between these institutions
and highlight the world-class institutions
that we have in Detroit and the treasures
that are here for people to enjoy during
these times.
”
While pointing out the aesthetics,
Molnar also points out that the staff is
taking over much of the responsibilities
of volunteers with extra attention given to
sanitation.
INSPIRING FILM
“Doner was thrilled to be involved in this
important initiative,
” said Jimmy Kollin,
executive vice president for business devel-
opment and communications
and a member of Temple
Israel.
“Our agency is keenly aware
of the importance and impact
of the arts and our cultural
center. We have been longtime
supporters. Creating this beau-
tiful film required creativity in the concep-
tual — and production — phases. We shot
this film with one director/cameraman and
one camera assistant spaced 6 feet apart,
wearing masks and abiding by all state and
CDC guidelines.
“We are so fortunate to have such cul-
tural riches in our city — all conveniently
located in one concentrated area. Our
hope is this work will inspire more visits,
further educate our community and inspire
creative thinking. After all, that’
s how we
move forward.
”
ANDREW JAMESON – WIKIPEDIA
Felicia
Eisenberg
Molnar
Culture
Can’t
Wait
New video shows Metro
Detroit culture lovers all
they can still do, despite
the pandemic.
SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jimmy Kollin
details
Culture Can’
t Wait can
be seen on the web-
sites and social media
channels for the Detroit
Institute of Arts, Detroit
Public Library, Detroit
Historical Museum,
Scarab Club and
Doner’
s social feeds.
DIA