It would appear that the brinksmanship over DIA’s art has worked. Michigan governor Rick Snyder gave Federal Judge Gerald Rosen’s initiative to save DIA’s art more traction last week after Christie’s submitted its final appraisal. The timing of the hints suggests the three-way battle over DIA’s art between the Emergency Manager, the surrounding counties and the state has come to a head. But since the state has been driving the bankruptcy process, the hints of a grand bargain suggest other concessions not yet revealed:

Calling ongoing efforts by Detroit federal Judge Gerald Rosen to organize a rescue package with local and national foundations “thoughtful and creative,” the Detroit museum said positive comments by the governor and some lawmakers “will continue to provide momentum to the discussions. The DIA is actively engaged in these talks and continues to be optimistic about a positive outcome.” […]

Snyder said he thought Lansing might be willing to help broker a grand bargain that would involve saving the museum’s art at the same time that it bolstered the city’s ailing pension funds. House Speaker Pro Tem John Walsh, R-Livonia, also said some state involvement in resolving the bankruptcy impasse seemed inevitable.

DIA says Snyder’s consideration of state aid helps bankruptcy talks (Detroit News)