SUPPORTING DETROIT’S CREATIVE COMMUNITY
Philanthropy at DAM is about more than financial support—it is the collective energy that makes it possible for artists to create, for audiences to connect, and for contemporary art to remain accessible in Detroit. Every gift, whether time, resources, or advocacy, strengthens the network of people who believe in the value of art and in each other. Through this shared commitment, DAM can offer free exhibitions and programs, provide artists with opportunities to grow, and ensure that creativity thrives in ways that enrich the whole community. At its heart, philanthropy here is not just about sustaining DAM; it’s about building a resilient and inclusive cultural home where art continues to inspire, challenge, and bring people together.
KEY INITIATIVES
Alongside a year-round calendar of exhibitions showcasing the work of more than 500 local artists, DAM advances philanthropy through programs that support artistic growth, professional development, and public engagement with contemporary art:
Creative Entrepreneurship Initiative
Equipping artists with tools and skills to sustain their practice.
Featured Artist Program
Spotlighting individual emerging voices and expanding opportunities for visibility and career advancement.
Student Scholarships
Reducing barriers for student artists to study, experiment, and thrive.
Educating the Public on Contemporary Art
Offering free workshops, lectures, and events that make contemporary art accessible and relevant to all.
MAKE A GIFT TO THE DETROIT ARTISTS MARKET
At the Detroit Artists Market , we are dedicated to contemporary art and creating meaningful connections between artists, collectors, and communities. Your support enables us to provide direct assistance to artists, ensure the sustainability of our mission, and offer enriching exhibitions and programs. Join us in making a difference by contributing to one of our vital funds today.
- Mission Support Fund. Our area of greatest need, your support is critical to building DAM’s capacity, fueling DAM’s exhibitions and programs, and ensuring the sustainability of our mission for generations to come.
- DAM Student Scholarship Fund. The Detroit Artists Market’s annual scholarship program celebrates more than 50 years of collaboration with our local colleges in support of student artists and rotates annually between the College for Creative Studies, Cranbrook Academy of Art, and Wayne State University. Over 100 student scholarships have been awarded since 1966.
- Creative Pathways Membership Fund. A recent survey by the Detroit Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship revealed that 50% of artists surveyed make less than $20,000 from their creative practice annually. Acknowledging this and other financial barriers artists may face to accessing opportunities to show and sell their work, in 2026 DAM is launching the Creative Pathways Membership Fund. Our goal is to provide a free annual Artist Membership for 50 artists each year who are facing financial hardship. Your support helps us grow our collective impact.
WAYS TO GIVE
There are many secure ways to make your gift to the Detroit Artists Market. Find more information about those processes below, and contact our Executive Director Miah J. Davis Gardner at 313-832-8540 or miah@detroitartistsmarket.org if you have any questions.
ONLINE
To make a gift by credit card, please use our secure online giving page: DONATE TODAY
BY MAIL
Mail a check or money order made payable to Detroit Artists Market to:
Philanthropy at DAM
4719 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
ENDOWMENT GIFTS
A gift to the Detroit Artists Market Endowment Fund (DMKT00) at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan helps secure DAM’s future by generating ongoing income to sustain our exhibitions, programs, and artist support. Endowment gifts provide long-term stability for DAM while also offering potential federal and state tax benefits.
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan accepts a wide range of assets, including:
- Cash, checks, and online donations
- Publicly traded securities and mutual funds
- Retirement plan assets and life insurance
- Closely held business interests and intellectual property
- Real estate and other complex assets
Contributions can be made directly to the Detroit Artists Market Endowment Fund (DMKT00) through the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan by using the link below, or by contacting their Donor Services team at (313) 961-6675.
MATCHING GIFTS
Maximize the impact of your donation to the Detroit Artists Market (DAM) through our Matching Gifts program. Many employers offer matching gift programs, doubling or even tripling the value of their employees’ charitable contributions. By taking advantage of these programs, you can significantly enhance your support for contemporary art and the artists in our community.
How to Participate
- Check with Your Employer: Find out if your company has a matching gift program. This information is often available through your human resources or corporate giving department.
- Submit a Request: Follow your company’s process for submitting a matching gift request. This typically involves filling out a form provided by your employer or using an online portal.
- Notify DAM: Let us know about your matching gift request by emailing us at [contact email] or including a note with your donation. We can provide any necessary documentation to complete the process.
Matching gifts can double or triple the amount of your original donation, providing more resources to support DAM’s exhibitions, programs, and artist initiatives. Both you and your employer will be recognized for your generosity, showcasing your joint contribution to the enrichment of Detroit’s cultural landscape.
PLANNED GIFTS
Planned gifts are a meaningful way to ensure that DAM can continue supporting artists and making contemporary art accessible for years to come. These gifts often cost nothing during your lifetime but create a lasting impact for future generations.
Some simple ways to make a planned gift include:
- Naming the Detroit Artists Market as a beneficiary in your will or trust
- Designating DAM as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy
- Making a gift through a Donor Advised Fund
If you are interested in exploring planned giving, we encourage you to talk with your financial advisor or attorney. We are also happy to provide suggested language or answer any questions. To learn more, please contact us at 313-832-8540.
“Philanthropy is what makes it possible for DAM to remain a place where artists are supported and where the public can experience contemporary art without barriers. Every gift we receive affirms that artists matter, that their work has value, and that our community believes in creativity as a force for connection and growth. Supporting the endowment and our ongoing programs ensures that artists in Detroit not only have opportunities today but will continue to thrive for generations to come.” – Miah J. Davis Gardner, Executive Director