The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit, the Southwest Detroit Business Association, and the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation (CDC), is pleased to announce a call for submissions for the 14th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos. This annual exhibition, designed to familiarize visitors with the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead and the importance of ofrenda altars, invites artists and community members to highlight the ways in which people remember and pay tribute to their departed loved ones.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to submit a concept for an original ofrenda altar that reflects the spirit of Día de Muertos. This could be through personal remembrance, cultural heritage, or themes of life, loss, and legacy. Proposals are welcome from artists of all backgrounds and experience levels, as well as individuals, families, and groups.
“Ofrendas: Celebrating el Dia de Muertos is a special exhibition at the DIA offering visitors the opportunity to experience the storytelling and artistic expression that comes along with the rich tradition of the Day of the Dead each fall,” said Julie McFarland, Executive Director of Public Affairs & Community Engagement. “We look forward to receiving submissions from returning artists and first-time participants alike, and to celebrating another year of cultural connection and shared traditions at the museum.”
Submission Details
Artists and community members can enter their proposals via the submission form by June 5, 2026. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee of local community members and DIA staff. Selected Ofrenda artists will be notified by July. The application includes detailed guidelines and is available in both English and Spanish.
Key Dates:
- June 5: Submission deadline
- July: Ofrenda selections are made and artists are notified
- Week of September 14: Installation of ofrendas at the DIA
- September 26: Exhibition opens
- November 1: Exhibition closing
Each selected artist or group will receive a $500 stipend to support their participation.
To learn more about the exhibition and how to submit, visit www.dia.org/ofrendas14.
General admission is always free for museum members and for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
Museum Hours and Admission
- Tuesday–Thursday: 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Saturday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
About the Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), considered one of the premier art museums in the United States, houses more than 65,000 works of art that offer a multicultural survey of human creativity from ancient times to the 21st century. With a collection that features everything from the first Van Gogh painting to ever enter a U.S. museum (Self-Portrait, 1887) to Diego Rivera’s famous Detroit Industry murals (1932–33), the DIA is renowned for its quality, range, and depth.
The DIA has a clear mission: to provide every visitor with an opportunity to find personal meaning in art, individually and with each other. Whether you’re an art expert or simply someone who appreciates beauty, the DIA wants you to connect with their collection in a meaningful way. You can learn more about this exceptional museum and its amazing collection by visiting their website at www.DIA.org. And if you want to keep up with their latest news and events, follow them on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.
