Unlock the Arts: Your Gift is the Key to Dayton’s Creative Future
✨ Culture Works kicks off its annual campaign to support ten iconic local organizations—and there’s a "Passport" waiting for you ✨
Culture Works Launches 2026 Campaign for the Arts—here's how you can help
🌷 🎨 From the soaring notes of the symphony to the energy of live theater, the creative heartbeat of the Dayton region is getting a major boost this spring 🎭🎶
Culture Works 2026 Campaign for the Arts has officially been launched, and you are invited to rally behind local Dayton-area arts organizations through its annual community fundraising effort. The campaign runs from March through June 30 and aims to provide vital operating support for arts and cultural groups across the Miami Valley.
⏩ How Culture Works is Fueling Dayton’s Arts Economy
This year’s theme, “Unlock the Power of the Arts – Your Gift Is the Key,” highlights the role community members play in sustaining the region’s creative sector. The campaign encourages individuals, businesses, and employees to contribute through workplace giving programs, making it easy to support the arts as part of broader community engagement initiatives.
Several local employers are hosting Workplace Giving Campaigns, including Dayton Children’s, Montgomery County, the City of Dayton, Messer Construction, Premier Health, and Sibcy Cline. These workplace campaigns often feature presentations, arts engagement activities, and entertainment designed to help employees better understand how their donations directly support local arts and culture.
Funds raised during the campaign support Culture Works’ Community Arts Grants program, which provides operating support to arts organizations throughout the region. Grant recipients are selected through a review process led by community panels, ensuring that funding decisions reflect local priorities.
“Through the Campaign for the Arts, our community comes together to unlock the power of the arts across our region,” said Lisa Hanson, President and CEO of Culture Works. “Every contribution—large or small—helps open doors for artists, students, and audiences. Simply put, your gift is the key to ensuring the arts continue to thrive in our community.”
Organizations receiving support through Culture Works include the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, The Human Race Theatre Company, K-12 Gallery & Tejas, Muse Machine, Discover Classical, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, the Bach Society of Dayton, and The Contemporary Dayton.
Beyond enriching the cultural landscape, the arts also contribute significantly to the region’s economy. According to the Americans for the Arts Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, the Dayton area’s arts and cultural sector generates $239 million in annual economic activity, supports nearly 4,500 full-time equivalent jobs, produces $154 million in household income, and $43 million in local, state, and federal tax revenue.
🗝️ Unlock Your Passport to the Arts
Ready to play your part? Supporting the Miami Valley’s creative sector comes with its own rewards. Individuals who donate $85 or more receive a Culture Works Passport to the Arts, which includes Buy One, Get One ticket offers at participating arts organizations along with discounts at select restaurants and retailers.
Related Fundraiser: Dorine Ragsdale Memorial Bowl for the Arts
To learn more about the Campaign for the Arts, host a workplace campaign, or make a donation, visit CultureWorks.org.
