Culture Works

Culture Works is committed to leading the charge to ensure a healthy environment for arts and culture for the eight-county Dayton Region for generations to come. We work to galvanize widespread community support for arts and culture, while also ensuring that every citizen has an opportunity to participate in the cultural vibrancy that defines our region. Our efforts play a vital role in making the Dayton Region more appealing to residents, tourists, and employers looking for a new home. Our goals for achieving lasting and meaningful change include: implementing Culture Connects 20/20—a strategic Cultural Plan developed to more effectively utilize cultural resources to achieve civic and economic goals; identifying new revenue streams and diversified funding sources to support arts and culture; increasing access to the arts for all citizens, including underserved populations and; strengthening the organizational effectiveness and financial health of the local cultural sector.

To assist in building more effective cultural organizations, Culture Works has developed and is implementing annually an outcomes-based grant process that measures three criteria: public benefit & access, artistic & cultural vibrancy, and organizational capacity. Eligibility requirements now allow for a greater number of organizations to participate in this united arts funding effort and receive grants. Culture Works is actively encouraging geographically diverse organizations to apply for funding to expand the impact of this program to a greater number of citizens throughout the region. Culture Connects 20/20 clearly identifies strategies specific to Economic Development, Education, Diversity, Resources and Capacity Building which Culture Works will also be implementing to achieve our objective.

Culture Works has a well-qualified and enthusiastic staff, and a supportive board that is representative of the community. Additionally, Culture Works has many well-respected community partners that contribute to the achievement of the organization's goals and objectives. Over 40 companies in the Dayton Region support the annual Culture Works Campaign for the Arts through a workplace giving campaign. Other partners include not only artists and cultural organizations throughout the region, but also colleges, universities, and local government. For example, the University of Dayton and Wright State University both played a key role in the research and community-convening activities that were integral to the development of Culture Connects 20/20. Additionally, the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District works closely with Culture Works In implementing strategies identified through Culture Connects 20/20. Culture Works also has a partnership with Dayton Magazine, which assists in promoting activities and initiatives throughout the community. Additionally, a number of other community partners provide both important sponsorship and in-kind support. The relationships forged through these cultural, business, education, and foundation partnerships are an invaluable resource for achieving the desired community impact.

The most significant accomplishment is the completion of Culture Connects 20/20 and the launch of the first phase of Implementation. Another significant achievement was the development of an annual publication that not only serves as a cultural mapping tool, but also helps to inform citizens about arts opportunities in order to increase access and audience participation. We have also developed a logic model and rubric to inform and expand our grantmaking process. Facilitating the implementation of the Cultural Plan is a critical next step. What we have learned at this point, from the outcomes achieved as well as those not yet realized, is the importance of having community engagement in the process and listening to our stakeholders.