The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) has released a 50th-anniversary remake of its iconic 1976 television commercial, "You Gotta Have Art." The original spot, created by advertising agency W.B. Doner & Co., featured museum staff, volunteers, and local performers singing and dancing among masterpieces. The new version, directed by DIA's Director of Visual Media Adam Kosberg, recreates the original shot-for-shot, incorporating updated choreography, a Motown-influenced arrangement by Detroit musicians Marion Hayden and Alvin Waddles, and appearances by local artists including Carole Harris and Allie McGhee, who reprised their roles from the 1976 film. Over 200 museum employees and performers from Wayne State University participated in the production.
This remake matters because it highlights the DIA's evolution over five decades, both in its staff diversity and its collection, which now includes works by Detroit native Mario Moore. The project also underscores the museum's deep connection to the Detroit community, as the original commercial became a beloved cultural touchstone. By honoring its history while embracing contemporary artists and performers, the DIA reinforces its role as a vital civic institution that celebrates Detroit's outsized contributions to visual arts, music, dance, and design.