UMMA’s Impact Report
UMMA puts art and ideas at the center of campus and public life — creating a true gathering place where everyone can Feel Free.
Your support makes this possible.
This report showcases how we harnessed the power of art in 2023-2024.
We believe that art is a fundamental human right and central to everything UMMA does. In 2023-24, we expanded collaborations and deepened relationships with Indigenous communities, artists from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives, university and K-12 students, and so many more individuals, groups, and communities.
Learn more about how you can deepen your impact at UMMA today.
“I am excited to present this report highlighting UMMA’s achievements in 2023-2024 and our impact across the campus, throughout Michigan, and beyond.
With your extraordinary support, UMMA has been a central gathering place, alive with opportunities to connect with art, strengthen civic engagement, and foster community. Through our commitment to serving all in our community and amplifying stories through artistic expression, we’ve created experiences that spark joy and drive meaningful conversations around today’s most pressing issues. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we’re eager to continue building dynamic, spaces where art unites us, ignites discussion, and shapes the future. And, we’re grateful for your continued partnership in advancing this important work.”
UMMA is a Welcoming Hub For All
That’s my language! I want to bring my mom because we speak that at home!
UMMA is the Creative Heartbeat of Campus
There were so many times during our UMMA visits when all of a sudden students who had hardly participated in class at all began sharing all kinds of interesting ideas and insights. I was so impressed!
UMMA is Critical to All Students
UMMA Empowers Voters
Building A Vital Collection For The Times We Live In
Thanks to the generous support of donors and the members of the UMMA Director’s Acquisition Committee, UMMA continued to expand the collection in exciting ways that make the art at UMMA more responsive and meaningful to more people.
375 New acquisitions including:
- Lo Chia Lun Calligraphy Collection — The largest gift of art in U-M history
- McArthur Binion, Self: Portrait
- Jarod Lew, selections from the Please Take Off Your Shoes series
- Antonius Tin-Bui, Like the Ocean…
Inspiring Real Change
In 2023, UMMA led a wildly successful, campus-wide, semester-long celebration of the power of artistic expression to impact society.
2023-2024 Highlights Exhibitions & Programs
From creating platforms for a broad range of voices and viewpoints to setting the stage for deep levels of inquiry, UMMA’s exhibitions and programs in 2023-2024 brought new ideas, joy, and connection to our communities.
Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield South Carolina
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A landmark exhibition of more than 60 objects representing the work of African American potters in the decades surrounding the Civil War.
Our Free to Speak! convening brought together 100+ scholars and community leaders to uplift artistic practice and inspire institutions to repair racial injustices.
You’re Welcome: Cannupa Hanska Luger & Monument Lab
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A dynamic three-part exhibition challenging institutional memory and the whitewashing of history.
You’re Welcome featured a bold, experimental, time-based commission on the Museum’s front facade. G-I-F-T scrawled across the stone for all to see.
Machine Dazzle: Ouroboros
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A Maximalist Wonderland for the Senses Using reclaimed Michigan trash, Witt Artist In Residence Machine Dazzle’s exhibition stunned in three acts. Culminating in an electrifying fusion of sculpture, couture, and movement.
Partnership with 826michigan
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Arts experiences for every 3rd Grade Student in Ypsilanti Community Schools A year-end party brought hundreds of students and families to UMMA for a celebration of self-expression and creativity.
Feel Good Friday
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Thousands gathered to be surrounded by art and community at our four Feel Good Friday events!
UMMA’s Forum Redesign & rebrand
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UMMA opened a renovated visitor entry late last year that transforms the lobby into a warm, soft landing spot for everyone visiting the Museum.
Your Support Matters Most!
None of the important work UMMA does would be possible without the support of incredibly dedicated members and donors such as you. UMMA is able to change lives and re-imagine what a campus art museum can mean for its community because of the generous support from people around the world–people like you.
Thank you for supporting our mission in so many ways—by visiting the Museum, by participating in our virtual programs, sharing news about UMMA with friends and family, and through your financial support—we couldn’t do it without you!
If you are able, please consider making a gift to help us continue this important work!