On January 24, our building experienced a significant flood, which caused damage to our facilities and infrastructure. We are working closely with our landlords and insurance providers to assess the full extent of the damage and determine next steps.

We are relieved to share that all artwork from our planned exhibition was returned to the artists, thanks to the swift action of our team. Further, despite the significant damage to our facilities, the majority of the work in storage and our gift shop is undamaged. While our space is temporarily closed, we remain committed to protecting the works entrusted to us and to serving our community.

We appreciate the support and patience of our community during this challenging time. As we navigate the recovery process, we will provide updates on how you can help us rebuild and reopen our doors.

Thank you for your understanding and encouragement—it means the world to us.

FAQ: Flood Recovery and Artists Questions

We understand this is a challenging time for everyone connected to the Detroit Artists Market. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about the flood, its impact, and our recovery efforts.

If you have additional questions or concerns not addressed here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at info@detroitartistsmarket.org. Thank you for your support and patience as we work to recover and continue serving our community.

What happened?

Our building experienced a catastrophic flood caused by a burst pipe, resulting in extensive damage to our facilities. While we were able to save artwork and most archives, the damage to the building has temporarily closed our doors and disrupted upcoming exhibitions and programs. We are thankful that this was a fresh water flood, not a sewage backup.

How long will DAM be closed?

We are actively assessing the situation and working to secure a temporary location. While we don’t have a specific timeline yet, we are committed to resuming operations as quickly as possible. We will provide updates on our progress regularly.

How can I support DAM during this time?

Make a donation to help with relocation and recovery costs: https://www.mightycause.com/story/1hrr0g
Help us identify a temporary space to host our exhibitions and programs
Share our story with your networks to help identify support

I was scheduled/applied to an exhibition or other opportunity with DAM-what now?

Will my scheduled exhibition still happen?
We are committed to honoring all scheduled exhibitions, though dates and locations may need to shift. We are working to secure a temporary space to ensure these exhibitions can still take place. A member of our team will contact all affected artists directly to discuss next steps.

What if I’ve already submitted my work for an upcoming show?
If you have submitted work, we will be reaching out soon with instructions for safe retrieval or updates on plans for your exhibition. If you have immediate concerns, please contact info@detroitartistsmarket.org

What about the open call submissions?
If you’ve submitted to an open call, we are still reviewing all submissions and will announce updates as soon as possible. Please anticipate delays in the review process at this time.

Will artists still be paid if their work was sold during this time? What about Elements sales?

Yes, we remain committed to processing all exhibition and Elements sales and ensuring that artists are paid as promptly as possible. If you have questions about a specific sale, please email us at info@detroitartistsmarket.org

Can I pick up my artwork from Elements/that was being stored at DAM?

Due to the recent flooding incident, we are currently conducting a thorough inventory and assessment of all artwork. Our team is working diligently with insurance and mitigators to ensure everything is properly documented and assessed for any potential damages. Due to this process, artwork is unavailable to be picked up at this time.

We will be in touch to coordinate a scheduled pickup for your work once available. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Will the Elements gift shop remain open?

Currently, the gift shop is closed due to flood damage. We are exploring options for a temporary location to continue supporting artists who sell through the shop.

Where will exhibitions and programs take place while the gallery is closed?

We are working to secure a temporary location in Detroit that will allow us to host exhibitions, workshops, and programs. We will update our website and social media with details as soon as we finalize a space.

The size and capacity of the temporary space may differ from our current gallery. We will work closely with artists and curators to adapt exhibitions and programs as needed.

Was any artwork damaged in the flood? If so, what now?

Thankfully, minimal damage to artwork was reported, and our mitigators remain confident in their ability to restore most work that was exposed to water.

We will be in contact with any artist whose work was directly impacted by the flood.

How is DAM funding its recovery efforts?

We are working with our insurance provider but are unsure if coverage will address the full extent of the damages. In the meantime, we are seeking support from our community through donations, grants, and partnerships.

What steps are being taken to ensure this doesn’t happen again?

As part of our recovery process, we are exploring ways to mitigate future risks, including improvements to building infrastructure and storage practices.

DAM IN THE NEWS

FOX NEWS – CHANNEL 2: Detroit art gallery flooded, canceling new exhibit

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Detroit Artists Market suffers severe flooding damage, seeks temporary home

METRO TIMES: Detroit Artists Market closes due to flooding from burst pipe

MICHIGAN CRHONICLE: Detroit Artists Market Suffers Severe Flood Damage, Reopening Uncertain

A Note to Our Community