Taubman, the late Josephine F. Ford and Richard A. Manoogian are among the major donors who have contributed a total of $54 million to the Detroit DIA's new $180-million capital campaign "Great Art, New Start." Manoogian is chairman and CEO of Masco. Ford, a member of the automotive family, was a daughter of Edsel and Eleanor Ford and a long-time patron of the arts in the Detroit region.

The DIA is raising funds to complete its building project, increase its endowment and finance annual museum operations. "We are tremendously grateful for the continuingsupport of these extremely generous donors," said Graham W. J. Beal, DIA director. "It is very heartening to have such a broad base of support for the DIA's mission, and to realize that so many believe in our vision for the future."

The DIA is approximately 50% through a renovation and expansion project designed by architect Michael Graves, adding 32,000 sf of gallery space to the museum. "The project addresses critical infrastructure and space issues, and at the same time respects the signature architecture of the Cret building," said Taubman, founder of the Taubman Co. and chair of the museum's building committee. "In 2007 we will reopen a building that is as exceptional as the collection it houses, a facility designed to provide a superior visitor experience."