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Free, outdoor Wi-Fi coming to Detroit’s cultural center

Posted at 3:03 PM, Jan 02, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-02 15:03:26-05

DETROIT (AP) — Free outdoor Wi-Fi is coming to Detroit’s cultural center.

It is part of an effort to implement a comprehensive digital strategy to attract visitors to the area and encourage outdoor programming.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is providing a $500,000 grant. The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation also is supporting the effort.

The wireless system will be an extension of Wayne State University’s campus Wi-Fi system.

The cultural center is home to the Carr Center, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, College for Creative Studies, Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts and other destinations.

Shutdowns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic have “created a moment of opportunity for digital transformation,” said Sue Mosey, Midtown Detroit executive director.

Mosey has been leading the Detroit Cultural Center Planning Initiative for the past 18 months.

“As we try to reimagine ourselves digitally, we are also trying to reimagine the cultural center physically to create more welcoming spaces designed for outdoor programming and that further connect our institutions,” she said.