Michigan’s attorney general says the collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts is not vulnerable to being sold to pay off any of the city’s debt during a municipal bankruptcy, the Associated Press reported yesterday. Bill Schuette said that the artwork “is held by the City of Detroit in charitable trust for the people of Michigan.” Schuette’s opinion follows a request from state Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville. State-appointed Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr has warned DIA officials that creditors could go after valuable pieces if he files for bankruptcy. Orr is trying to wipe out a budget deficit while restructuring more than $14 billion in long-term debt. He is scheduled to meet Friday with creditors. DIA officials have said they don’t believe the collection is in danger of being sold.
