DETROIT, August 17, 2020 — Motown Museum today announced a $3 million gift from Ballmer Group, co-founded by Steve and Connie Ballmer, to further its expansion campaign. Motown Museum Chairwoman and CEO Robin Terry made the announcement.
The $3 million grant by Ballmer Group, the philanthropic organization co-founded by civic activist Connie Ballmer and Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, founder of USAFacts, and chairman of the Los Angeles Clippers, is the most recent contribution to Motown Museum’s expansion initiative. After reaching the halfway point of $25 million in fundraising and officially breaking ground on the project in September 2019, the momentum of the campaign continues to garner national attention. The construction of phase one of four planned construction phases resumed in May after a brief pause due to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s statewide executive order due to COVID-19. Phase one, entitled Hitsville Next, will serve as the museum’s educational and creative hub designed to offer innovative education and community engagement programs. The programming made possible through Hitsville Next is designed to activate and inspire future generations of creatives, artists and entrepreneurs.
“In the face of historic global challenges, we continue to see our community, supporters, and our Motown family come together in ways that are truly inspiring,” Terry said. “The momentum and support for the expansion has continued with visionary and committed leaders like Steve and Connie Ballmer voicing its significance. Their belief in the power of community and opportunity is a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of Motown and we’re very fortunate for their generous gift.”
Ballmer Group works to improve economic mobility for children and families in the United States who are disproportionately likely to remain in poverty. The group supports the use of data and strong partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit organizations at the community level to more effectively serve families.
“Motown represents the cultural lifeblood of the southeast Michigan region, as well as its legacy of incredible talent and entrepreneurship,” Kylee Mitchell Wells, Executive Director of Ballmer Group – Southeast Michigan said. “Much of the work we support at Ballmer Group is rooted in racial equity and helping kids and families succeed. The museum’s programming and their impressive forthcoming expansion reflect that mission. We’re inspired that the expansion will share the story of Motown on a larger scale and welcome new generations of fans, music lovers, budding artists and business leaders from Detroit and around the world.”
Already one of Michigan’s leading cultural institutions, the Motown Museum expansion will preserve the inspiration of Motown’s legacy for future generations. It will continue the organization’s goal to elevate the community and provide economic growth.
Announced in late 2016, the Motown Museum expansion will grow the museum to a 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination featuring dynamic, interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, an expanded retail experience and meeting spaces designed by renowned architects and exhibit designers. When completed, the new museum campus will have a transformative impact on the surrounding Detroit neighborhoods, providing employment, sustainability and community pride by serving as an important catalyst for new investment and tourism in the historic area.
For more information on programs, visit www.motownmuseum.org.
About Motown Museum
Founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, Motown Museum is a 501(c)(3) not for profit, tax-exempt organization in Detroit. The museum is committed to preserving, protecting and presenting the Motown story through authentic, inspirational and educational experiences. Announced in late 2016, the Motown Museum expansion will grow the museum to a 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination featuring dynamic, interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, an expanded retail experience and meeting spaces designed by renowned architects and exhibit designers. When completed, the new museum campus will have a transformative impact on the surrounding Detroit neighborhoods, providing employment, sustainability and community pride by serving as an important catalyst for new investment and tourism in the historic area. For more information on Motown Museum, visit http://www.motownmuseum.org.
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