Detroit, Michigan – November 4, 2009 – More than 1,100 nonprofit leaders from 32 states around the U.S. will gather this evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. for a special Host Event at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) as part of the Independent Sector and Council of Michigan Foundations joint Annual Conference based at the Detroit Marriott, Renaissance Center.

This evening’s event will culminate with a special performance of Fire and Blood by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) in Rivera Hall which features the Detroit Industry fresco cycle by Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, the finest example of his work in the U.S.

The piece, composed by Michael Daugherty, was commissioned by the DSO in 2003 and was directly inspired by the Rivera mural. This is the first time the piece has been performed in this venue. 

“We are honored to have the DSO performing this piece, joined by composer Michael Daugherty and accomplished violinist Ida Kavafian, for our guests from around the country. We are grateful to the John S. and John L. Knight Foundation for their support in underwriting this special performance,” said Robert S. Collier, president & CEO, Council of Michigan Foundations.

“This national conference with the theme Challenging Times, New Opportunities will showcase the important role that the nonprofit sector plays in southeast Michigan and our state. It is important to note that one-in-ten Michiganders works for a nonprofit organization,” added Collier.

“The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is an active supporter of both arts and culture and economic revitalization efforts in southeast Michigan. Our mission is to help create informed, engaged communities. Challenging times demand new opportunities for partnership and we are excited that the DIA and DSO are collaborating at this event,” said Alberto Ibargüen, president & CEO, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

For additional information about the entire annual conference, go to www.independentsector.org/conference.

To learn more about how Michigan foundations and corporate giving programs serve our state’s  residents and communities, visit www.michiganfoundations.org.

The Council of Michigan Foundations is a 501(c)(3) membership association of more than 350 foundations and corporate giving programs working together to strengthen, promote and increase philanthropy in Michigan. Learn more at www.michiganfoundations.org.

Independent Sector is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 600 charities, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation. Its mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the nonprofit community. To learn more about Independent Sector, please visit: www.independentsector.org.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation advances journalism in the digital age and invests in the vitality of communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. Knight Foundation focuses on projects that promote community engagement and lead to transformational change. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.