The International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit is a Torch Drive supported agency located in the Detroit Cultural Center. This two-story building is located on East Kirby and John R, across the street from the Detroit Institute of Arts. It serves people who have recently arrived in the United States. The institute also serves all people in the metropolitan Detroit area who are interested in expressing their own ethnic heritage and learning about the culture of others. Services available at the International Institute include: English language and citizenship classes; counseling, translators and interpreters; social and cultural recreational programs; ethnic enrichment programs for children and other activities for the general public. The International Institute has a very large ethnic doll exhibit. It is on permanent display in the main floor exhibit hall. Additionally, a small restaurant in the basement serves daily ethnic dishes. Other Institute activities include the original "Old World Market," Detroit's first and oldest cultural ethnic festival. It highlights unique international performances and old world crafts. The building is also a meeting site for local youth groups, including New Detroit, Inc. Youth Nonviolence Training Program. |
