DETROIT, MI (Top40 Charts) Motown Museum today announced a $1 million grant from Bank of
America to further its innovative programming and expansion campaign. Motown Museum Chairwoman and CEO
Robin Terry made the announcement.
The $1 million grant from Bank of America, which will help strengthen the surrounding neighborhood and deliver life-changing programming, is the most recent contribution to Motown Museum's expansion initiative. This award brings the museum's total amount raised for the expansion to $38 million of the $55 million expansion campaign. The first phase, Hitsville Next, comprises three original Motown-era homes that have been transformed to serve as the centerpiece of the museum's expansive suite of educational and creative programming. As home to the museum's mix of camps, workshops, master classes and community events, Hitsville Next is designed to provide artistic development and inspiration for future generations of creatives and entrepreneurs.
Construction on phase two of the expansion is already underway, including work on what will become an immersive outdoor plaza that will serve as a multipurpose community gathering place and welcome destination for museum visitors. The plaza will be regularly activated with memorable performances by local talent and will afford unique visibility opportunities for emerging artists and entrepreneurs. Due to the phase two construction, indoor tours of Hitsville U.S.A. are temporarily paused, while restoration of the world-famous historic building begins. Construction is projected to be completed by Summer 2022.
"We are incredibly grateful to Bank of
America and can't thank them enough for their partnership, which is impactful as we prepare for our expansion and tell the stories of the incredible Motown legacy on a larger scale," said Terry. "Their commitment to supporting culture and taking meaningful action to build thriving communities is admirable and reflective in this generous gift."
A longtime partner of the Motown Museum, Bank of
America recognizes the power of the arts to help economies thrive, connect individuals with each other across cultures, and educate and enrich societies. Bank of
America is committed to providing arts and cultural organizations with vital support across the
State of Michigan and around the world. Partnerships include exhibition sponsorships, as well as support for programs that help arts nonprofits deliver arts outreach and educational programs to ever-broader audiences, celebrate diverse cultural traditions and protect cultural heritage. In 2021, Bank of
America distributed over $6 million in grants to Southeast Michigan organizations that create pathways to employment, provide job training, support food access and distribution.
"A vibrant community is fueled by its artistic and cultural centers, and in Detroit, there's no better example than the Motown Museum," said Matt Elliott, President, Bank of
America Michigan. "Detroiters and visitors from around the world will now enjoy new and inspiring experiences at the museum, made possible in part through financial support from Bank of America. This not only celebrates the Motown legacy, but will also spur new investment and tourism, aligning with our pledge to support initiatives that help create economic mobility."
Announced in late 2016, the Motown Museum expansion will grow the museum to a 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination featuring dynamic, interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, an expanded retail experience and meeting spaces designed by renowned architects and exhibit designers. When completed, the new museum campus will have a transformative impact on the surrounding
Detroit neighborhoods, providing employment, sustainability and community pride by serving as an important catalyst for new investment and tourism in the historic area.
Founded in 1985 by
Esther Gordy Edwards, Motown Museum is a 501(c)(3) not for profit, tax-exempt organization in Detroit. The museum is committed to preserving, protecting and presenting the Motown story through authentic, inspirational and educational experiences. Announced in late 2016, the Motown Museum expansion will grow the museum to a 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination featuring dynamic, interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, an expanded retail experience and meeting spaces designed by renowned architects and exhibit designers. When completed, the new museum campus will have a transformative impact on the surrounding
Detroit neighborhoods, providing employment, sustainability and community pride by serving as an important catalyst for new investment and tourism in the historic area. For more information on programs, visit www.motownmuseum.org.
