I feel as though I have been given a job that I don't deserve.
One of my intern tasks is to research all of the DIA's programs and do a short, one-page write up on each of them, expressing the program's value to the museum and community. Essentially, I am presenting information about the programs (revenue, people served, frequency, target audiences, etc.) and then stating why the DIA should continue these programs and why you, the public, should support them.
Basically, I've been asked to determine which programs are of any value.
So I've been going through this list of 100 some programs and making up these little synopses or info-sheets. I think I have 6 done so far. Because there's a fair amount of research involved, it's not a terribly expedient process.
But anyway, today I was working on the synopsis for the Detroit City Chess Club, and I was astounded. The kids in the DCCC have won all kinds of awards, scholarships and trophies for playing competitive chess. There are over 200 kids, from 50 schools in the Detroit Metro area, but none of these schools will give the club any space to meet and play chess. Super lame, DPS. So the DIA stepped in and every Friday, gives the DCCC enough space for dozens of chess games. It's really something to see.
I've walked past this event for the past several weeks, and I'm always impressed. First of all, I think it's just plain cool to see twenty or so school kids playing chess among 400 year old suits of armor.
Secondly, I am always amazed by how much these kids seem to genuinely enjoy the game of chess. They're always smiling and laughing and cheering each other on. Some of them get so excited that they can't stand to sit in a chair, and end up pacing around the tables while playing.
The other great thing about this program is that it takes place on Friday nights. The DIA is open to the public until 10pm on Fridays for a program called "Friday Night Live". As a result, lots of people are walking by the DCCC set up, and many stop to play a game with the kids, or among themselves-- which the DCCC both welcomes and encourages.
So not only do we give the DCCC a place to play, but we also get the general public interacting with Detroit school kids and playing chess-- thus witnessing the DIA's civic engagement and developing a positive image of the DIA as an active member of the Detroit community.
There has been much debate in the museum world concerning the "function" or "purpose" of museums. Should they really be turned into community centers? Or should their mission center solely on the care of artworks?
I know that many of my peers shudder to think of the museum being transformed into a community center. But I think it works here. Detroit is something of a special case these days. All of the city's organizations need to work together to make sure that their kids aren't falling through the cracks of this deeply cracked city. I don't mean to be harsh on the City of Detroit. I love Detroit, and I'm not afraid to say it. While I see a lot of negatives in the DPS and other areas, I see as many positives in programs like those at the DIA that are actively supporting the city's students.
And if I haven't mentioned it yet, I need to do so now: Chess is great. It is a highly strategic game that develops critical thinking, and parents of chess club members have reported improvements in their kids' self-esteem and GPA.
For an organization like the DIA, which so highly values critical thinking, a partnership with the DCCC seems like a no-brainer. DCCC kids and their families are also frequently offered VTS tours of the collections-- another way of developing critical thinking skills in students.
All of the photos came from the chess club's website, www.detroitcitychessclub.com
I loved this entry.
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