DIA Releases Modern Version of 1976 “You Gotta Have Art!” Commercial for 50th Anniversary

The Detroit Institute of Arts has released an updated version of its 1976 "You Gotta Have Art!" commercial to mark the Institute's 50th anniversary. The museum posted the minute-long video on social media platforms. It has racked up more than 250,000 views.

The original advertisement showed local actors and personalities standing in front of masterpieces throughout the museum. Many Metro Detroiters remember watching the ads during the 1970s.

Adam Kosberg, the museum's director of visual media, proposed the remake about a year ago. When he learned about the original commercial, people told him they still hum and sing the tune five decades later.

"With this year being the 50th anniversary of it, I kind of realized I was never going to have a better justification, if you will, to recreate it," Kosberg said per The Detroit News. "It was sort of now or never."

The new 60-second video includes 24 separate shots. It features more than 200 people. The original was filmed over two days with an 80-member cast.

"It was unlike most film projects. You know, 95% of the work is done in post-production," said Kosberg. "With this one, it was about 95 or maybe even 98% in pre-production."

The cast includes DIA staff members, volunteers, and a dozen locally based creatives. Allie McGee, Carole Harris, Mario Moore, Tylonn Sawyer, and Kresge Eminent Artist Shirley Woodson appear in the video. Members of the Wayne State Theatre and Dance department and Detroit Jit Dancers also participated.

Detroit musicians Marion Hayden and Alvin Waddles recorded an updated version of the song with more of a Motown feel. The tune is a spoof on "You Gotta Have Heart" from the 1955 Broadway musical "Damn Yankees."

The museum plans to share the video online for now. Officials may consider television advertising later this year.