Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) announced Tuesday, February 11th it has partnered with 24 arts organizations for an intentional investment of resources and expertise in the Detroit School of Arts (DSA) Pathways Initiative. The initiative is designed to position DSA as the premier arts school in Metro Detroit and to develop students’ talent in the years to follow. The press conference took place inside the Detroit School Arts Aaliyah Recital Hall. Metropolitan State University of Denver Campus Manager Drew Schultz and Year 3 Vocal Performance student Jamiliah Minter were present during the press conference.
It was super insightful to see the kinds of plans that are in motion for DSA, and other establishments in the city. I love the relationships being created and the furthermore excellence that will be created for youth in Detroit. - Jamiliah Minter, DIME Student and DSA Alumna
DIME is a proud partner of Detroit School of Arts and we look forward to the growth and enhanced opportunities that this program will provide for young musicians in the city of Detroit!
“The Detroit School of Arts is a beautiful facility that is underutilized as an asset to the arts, students and the City,” said Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, DPSCD. “We know that Detroit’s children represent historic arts talent and that DPS has developed some of the world’s best artists. As we continue to rebuild the school system, we are committed to the whole child, this is a critical piece to the process. The concentration of focus by the District and partners will make DSA the destination for Detroit’s talent.”
In Fall 2019, the District embarked upon Phase I of the DSA Pathways Initiative with 24 partners committed to providing programming in multiple art forms either in-kind or at no-cost during the first full year of rebuilding (through June 2020). Four schools are designated as Middle School Arts Conservatories, or feeder schools, to DSA – Brenda Scott Academy for Theatre Arts, Duke Ellington Conservatory of Music & Art, John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy and Spain Elementary-Middle School. The Middle School Arts Conservatories will work with the 24 partnered institutions, as well as with students and faculty from DSA. In addition, DSA Pathways partners are collaborating with national organizations such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Educational Theatre Association, and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy to bring the best of arts to DSA and its middle school programs. The Middle School Arts Conservatories will offer five core art forms – dance, theatre, visual arts, instrumental music and vocal music.
For more information about DSA Pathways and the application process.
