Unprecedented Times for Dayton Arts
These are unprecedented times. These are unimaginable times. Here in Dayton, the arts community is facing a crisis.
Unprecedented Times for Dayton Arts
These are unprecedented times. These are unimaginable times. There isn't one part of daily life that hasn't been brought to a near standstill by the spread of COVID-19.
Here in Dayton, the arts community is facing a crisis. The necessary cancellation of public gatherings has meant not only lost revenue, but has also dramatically slowed contributed income.
Like human and social service agencies, arts organizations are mission-driven — providing services thanks to support from generous grants and donations in addition to ticket sales and admissions.
Arts organizations across our region rely on a mix of revenue streams to fulfill their individual missions. Annual contributions, ticket sales, admission fees, grants, classes, performance fees, sponsorships, events and other fundraising avenues are all key to each operation. To keep ticket prices and entry fees affordable and to offer programs for students, artists and others, we rely on contributed income to fill the gap.
Facing an unprecedented time, we are watching that gap widen at an unprecedented rate.
Dayton is blessed with an arts scene that offers more diversity, size and scope than most cities its size. There is no question that the arts add significantly to the quality of life here in the Miami Valley. Using the Americans for the Arts economic impact calculator the economic impact is estimated to be $214 million for the region.
At its essence, the arts are about bringing people together to experience something beautiful, thought-provoking, breathtaking, and memorable.
We trust that, with the ingenuity and support of our community, the collective light of the arts won't be dimmed due to this crisis, but will shine brighter after weathering this storm together.
Please consider acting to support the future of our amazing arts community here in Dayton. Reach out to those organizations that you value. Donate the value of those canceled tickets back to them. Make a special one-time gift. Purchase a membership.
Dayton has been through hard times in the past. Like the Victoria Theatre at the corner of First and Main Streets, we've been through fires and floods and faced the wrecking ball. But the Dayton community has always rallied - and together we'll be here to welcome you back into our theatres, galleries, museums, and studios again with open arms.
The show MUST go on. We're looking forward to seeing you again soon!
How to donate
We can't do it without you! Your support fills the gap between ticket revenue and the actual costs of providing diverse, high-caliber performances, education, and maintaining the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, Metropolitan Arts Center (home of The Loft Theatre), and the PNC Arts Annex for the Miami Valley.
To donate to Dayton Live, click here
Related: GivingTuesdayNow: Organizations in Dayton to Support
Links & Tags
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