Letter From Our Executive Director

The DAI stands in solidarity with our regional network of working artists whose contributions impact the wellbeing of our families, our communities, and our economy. During this time of uncertainty, the DAI is virtually meeting with artists to better understand and respond to their evolving needs through this extended crisis.

Artists are the connective tissue of our community. They are the truth tellers. The first to give and the last to take. Artists stabilize. Uphold rights. Mobilize. Artists unify. Artists give a face to movements. Artists call attention. Artists bring hope. Shine a light. Make occasions. Solve problems. Spark innovation. Find the hidden story. Artists educate. Save lives. Give life. Lower drop-out rates. Artists bring prosperity. Rise above. Artists heal. Artists remember. Artists inspire.

Artists are keeping our minds healthy and engaged at home during the time of COVID-19. They are teaching and creating, singing, painting, writing, and animating. They are stitching together a new songbook for this troubling time-to help us get through today and think about a brighter tomorrow.

We are in process of creating a virtual DAI community for artists and art enthusiasts to convene, connect, and collaborate and can’t wait to launch in the coming days opportunities for you to get involved in supporting the many ways artists enrich our lives, even from afar.

If you would like to contribute to helping us roll out this virtual community, we invite you to visit our website for three exciting opportunities. 1. Art Standards- art videos for youth and schools 2. Artist Inspired -video shorts featuring artists and their inspiration 3. Art in Bloom- a new platform for purchasing art for friends and loved ones. We hope you continue to check our website and add this visual aesthetic into your everyday.

In the meantime, we encourage you to stay connected to the artists in your life. Send them a text or share what they are creating with your friends on social media. Every little connection helps make our community stronger and healthier.

Warmly,

Christina Woods

Duluth Art Institute Executive Director