Heard It Through the Grapevine: Ford Motor Company and UAW-Ford Invest $6 Million in Motown Museum Expansion
-
Ford and UAW-Ford are lead donors in Motown Museum’s $50 million
expansion -
$6 million investment to fund Ford Motor Company Theater as a
state-of-the-art performance center, educational and community
programming, as well as CARaoke Experience -
Motown Museum and other recent investments represent additional $10
million Ford and Ford Fund are contributing to Detroit neighborhoods
over the next five years
DETROIT–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In 1959 Berry Gordy started Motown Records in Detroit. He modeled his
business, which became a global hit-making factory, after the Ford Motor
Company assembly line.
Today, Ford and UAW-Ford are part of the Motown story again, announcing
a $6 million investment as lead donor in a $50 million expansion of
Motown Museum. The museum is the location of the famous Hitsville U.S.A.
house and Studio A, where Motown Records changed the music industry
forever.
“We are thrilled to play a role in the next chapter of a global music
icon,” said Joe Hinrichs, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company,
who will hold a leadership position as part of the museum’s expansion
efforts. “The enhanced museum will not only upgrade the visitor
experience, it also fits with our commitment to investing in the
cultural heritage of Detroit and southeast Michigan.”
“It is very gratifying to support the expansion of the Motown Museum,
and in doing so, we strengthen an institution that has great historical
and cultural significance to our region and the world,” said Jimmy
Settles, vice president, UAW. “This partnership also allows us to
continue our commitment to the Motown Museum’s surrounding community,
which is a community that many Detroit natives treasure.”
As part of the Ford and UAW-Ford investment, the expanded Motown Museum
will include:
- Ford Motor Company Theater, a state-of-the-art performance venue
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Educational, music and other programming tied to Ford’s ongoing
student and community outreach initiatives -
CARaoke Experience, in which visitors take part in an interactive
Ford-branded activity that incorporates music with Ford vehicles - Ford will be official vehicle of Motown Museum
“Motown and Ford Motor Company have wide and deeply connected roots,”
said Robin R. Terry, chairwoman and CEO, Motown Museum. “As two Detroit
born brands, they have had — and continue to have today — a
transformative and profound impact on creativity and innovation around
the world.
“We are honored by the commitment that Ford Motor Company and UAW-Ford
have made toward this exciting expansion,” said Terry. “As the lead
donors and committed partners in our vision, their support will help us
bring a first class destination to Detroit and the world, and will
ensure that this important musical and cultural legacy is preserved and
positioned to inspire the next generation of creative and innovative
minds.”
The commitment is part of an additional $10 million Ford and Ford Fund,
the company’s philanthropic arm, are contributing to Detroit over the
next five years. Ford and Ford Fund are already investing $20 million in
local educational and community programs for 2016. Investments this year
and beyond include:
-
New three-year sponsorship commitment with The Parade Company –
producer of both America’s Thanksgiving Parade and annual Ford
Fireworks -
$5 million investment to build a second Ford Resource and Engagement
Center in Detroit -
$400,000 in support for Cass Community Social Services’ tiny homes
neighborhood project to reduce homelessness -
$200,000 Bill Ford Better World Challenge grant to University of
Detroit-Mercy to create a mobility application to connect underserved
populations with local resources
Over the last 10 years, Ford and Ford Fund have made community
investments totaling $161 million in the region.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford
Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company
based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 62 plants
worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing,
manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks
and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business
model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with
investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides
financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more
information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
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. For more
information, visit motownmuseum.org.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and
video, visit www.media.ford.com.
Contacts
Ford Motor Company Fund
Todd Nissen
313.322.4898
tnissen@ford.com
or
Motown
Museum
Morgan Mark
248.258.2333
mmark@identitypr.com
