Detroit Public Schools Community District In Partnership With Key Organizations Announce An Evening Of Fine Arts Fox Theatre May 14 Performance

(DETROIT – April 16, 2025) – Comerica Bank, 313 Presents, Olympia Development, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and the City Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) are proud to present Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) annual An Evening of Fine Arts for the fourth consecutive year at the Fox Theatre (56th anniversary of EFA) on Wednesday, May 14 at 6 p.m. 

Although admission to An Evening of Fine Arts is free and open to the public, tickets are required for entry and are available in advance at participating schools, the DPSCD Office of Fine Arts and online.

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“Students’ creativity, voice, and critical thinking skills are sharpened through the arts. As a foundation of our reform, we established an art or music program at each DPSCD school because we knew that our students’ talents would not be developed without this programming. More importantly, access to the arts allows students to define and understand beauty. This simply develops better people and citizens,” said Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, DPSCD

“Once again, we are excited to return to The Fox Theatre with An Evening of Fine Arts strengthening its rich legacy. It continues to be encouraging to see business partners and organizations embrace our whole child commitment to our students and families. DPSCD has served as the pipeline for so many talented performers through the decades. Events such as this allow us to see our students’ talents annually on one of Detroit’s largest and most historic stages.”

An Evening of Fine Arts is the culminating activity for middle and high school fine and performing arts departments and showcases the tremendous talent within the district. After a competitive audition process held in March, over 600 students will shine in the Fox Theatre spotlight. The free public event will bring all-new performances and feature instrumental music ensembles, vocal music ensembles, dance and theatre excerpts. In addition to the stage performances, original works of art by the district’s top visual artists will be displayed in the Fox Theatre’s Grand Lobby. 
The Ilitch Companies and 313 Presents have supported Detroit Public Schools students over the years and An Evening of Fine Arts is a natural extension of that partnership, which has included financial and in-kind donations, internships and educational programs. 

"As a proud alumna, I am overjoyed to once again welcome DPSCD students, educators, and leadership for an evening of spectacular performances that showcase the students’ incredible talent and dedication,” said Rian English Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development of Michigan. “It is an honor to celebrate the next generation of musicians, vocalists and dancers as they shine on this historically significant stage."

“Every year we are amazed and entertained by the talented performers who display their great passion for performance and fine arts even at their young ages,” said Steve Davis, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President. “The students who participate in An Evening of Fine Arts illustrate the many bright futures that lie ahead who will positively impact our community. We are honored to partner in supporting this annual signature event dedicated to presenting the very best of Detroit.”

“313 Presents is proud to continue its commitment to DPSCD’s An Evening of Fine Arts,” said Howard Handler, 313 Presents President. “This one-of-a-kind event has become a tradition at the Fox Theatre. Each year brings fresh talent and an exciting new show. We’re looking forward to celebrating another amazing group of students.”

"Watching the brilliance and excellence of our children as the best of them show their gifts should inspire the entire city to support the arts," said Rochelle Riley, the City of Detroit’s Director of Arts and Culture. "As advocates across the region and the country unite to better support the creative workforce, we must recognize that our future creative careerists are these bright youngsters who take our breath away! So proud to support."

For more information about An Evening of Fine Arts, visit Detroitk12.org. Follow the district on Facebook at Detroit Public Schools Community District, Twitter at @Detroitk12, and Instagram at @Detroitk12.