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Culture Works To Roll Out Crowdfunding Model

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power2giveWhen over 120 nonprofit professionals show up for an 8:30am meeting on a frigid morning, you know there’s something major about to happen.  This morning Culture Works introduced an online giving model, Power2give, an online cultural marketplace designed to connect donors with projects they are passionate about. p2give1

Originated in Charlotte, North Carolina after their arts community took a major downturn in 2008, the model has now been successfully implemented in over 20 markets, including Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Locally CareSource was the first supporter of the program, and host of this mornings meeting.   DP &L has also stepped up to become major supporter for the launch of the program, with a $50,000 match to funds donated through the online site .  Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District announced they will also be providing $10,000 in matching funds. Over the next month or so, local nonprofits will begin learning about Power2give and the site will go live on March 6th.

Perry MixterPerry Mixter,  from the Charlotte Arts & Science Council, in town for the training today shared some pretty impressive statistics with the group this morning.  In  Louisville’s first year using the crowdfunding model, 81% of the donors were first time arts donors and the average gift was $50.  Power2give sites have raised over $4.5 million dollars since the programs debut in August of 2011.  Projects of $10,000 and under will be presented for up to 90 days and Culture Works will collect funds and grant them to the arts group within 15 days of a project closing.

Stay tuned for more exciting info on Power2give!

 

Culture Works Seeks Feedback

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Take the Survey Here.

What do you think Culture Works does?

What do you think it SHOULD be doing?

Culture Works, the region’s arts fund and service agency, is going through some changes, and they want your input.  This spring, Martine Meredith Collier came to the Dayton region as the new Executive Director/CEO of Culture Works. Martine has brought extensive experience including work as the Director of Development and Membership for Grantmakers in the Arts (Seattle, WA) and as the Executive Director of Sarasota County Arts Council (Sarasota, Florida). But Dayton is a unique community with different needs, so Martine wants to hear from you.

The Bach Society of Dayton

Culture Works is asking you to tell them about their effectiveness by taking a short survey. Martine shares her vision for what the survey will provide:

“Effective organizational decision making is dependent on good information, and good information comes from knowing how your community perceives your value and effectiveness.  In the current economic climate, it becomes even more important to assure that programs and services are relevant, cost-effective, and provide value. A survey of this nature can be of enormous assistance in aligning organizational outcomes to community needs.”

Culture Works has been hard at work advocating to our government leaders (hip, hip hooray for an increase in arts funding!), providing funding and business support to many arts organizations, raising the national status of the arts community, and connecting individuals and organizations throughout the region with arts opportunities and benefits. But are they doing what they should be doing?

A photo from Social Media Night at the Dayton Art Institute

It’s a tough economy and the old rules don’t always apply. So, Culture Works is asking for your feedback on what programming is most beneficial as they move forward to strengthen the organization. Regardless of who you are or how much you have given (if at all), they want to know how YOU define Culture Works. Culture Works is a regional organization, so they want to know what the people of the region need.

©2010 Andy Snow - provided by Cityfolk

So it’s your turn to tell Culture Works how they’re doing as they look forward. Take the survey today!

What is Culture Works?

Culture Works is the united arts fund and arts service agency for the Greater Dayton region. Creating and maintaining a vibrant and attractive community filled with quality arts brings measurable and immeasurable value to our community. From providing inspiring educational opportunities to our children, to attracting and retaining employees to our region, to adding beauty and entertainment to our lives, the arts reflect all the best and most beautiful parts of who we are. Culture Works is proud to be the largest provider of general operating support for the many non-profit arts organizations operating in Greater Dayton. We are privileged to partner with corporations, foundations and individuals like you to secure a flourishing, creative environment for area residents of all ages and backgrounds.
~From their Web site

Jane’s Best Bets (6/22 – 6/26)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Holy moly, there are a ton of things going on this week!  Speaking of “holy,” this week there are several church festivals…plus many more great events.  Let’s check them out!

On Wednesday during your lunch hour, get moving with The Square Is Where… Dayton YMCA Presents Zumba at Courthouse Square.  If you feel like having a drink, head to A.Y.O.B. at Archer’s Tavern, where a new craft beer will be featured starting at 5PM or to Franco’s for Dayton Green Drinks, where they will be discussing the Pathways out of Poverty Program.  I do believe it is officially summer, so even though you may not be taking that big European vacation you’ve dreamed about, you can still have a Summer Around The World Wine Dinner at The Wine Loft.  If cycling is your thing, you will not want to miss seeing Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning feature-length documentary about the Race Across America, being featured at The Neon.  All women who are looking for an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others in the Dayton area should consider attending the Junior League of Dayton New Member Social.  This amazing group makes great contributions to our community, and you have the opportunity to be a part of it…as long as you’re not a man!  If you’re in need of a good laugh, make your way to Wiley’s for their Dirty Little Secret Sideshow – Deuxième Exécution.  And if you’re a Harley lover that also enjoys live music, head to Jackass Flats for Buddha & The Boogie Down Gig/Bike Night.

Disney's THE LION KING - Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OhioOn Thursday, complete some of your grocery shopping at the Centerville Farmers Market.  If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, consider helping the cause by attending Orientation to the Grants Information Center at the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch.  You will be able to hear live music at the Dayton Art Institute as part of their Twilight Concert.  Jim McCutcheon, a very talented guitarist (who also taught me two semesters worth of guitar when I was at UD!), will be one of the performers.  If you wish to show a bit of your athleticism, make your way to Wings Sports Bar & Grille for their Weekly Cornhole Tournament.  You know I’m corny, so I had to put that in here.  And finally, if you have not yet had the opportunity to check out The Lion King at the Schuster Center, now is your chance!

On Friday, there are an enormous number of wonderful events from which to choose!  In the afternoon, if you don’t have lunch plans, consider joining Generation Dayton for their 4th Friday Lunch Speaker Series.  Or have some fun at Courthouse Square with the Team Void Summer Twist Party.  In the evening, join me in attending the Hops Over the Moon Preview Party at the Boonshoft, which will feature too many great things to list…seriously!  (For more info, check out this article.)  If you’re in shape, run the 5th Annual 5 For the Kids 5K to benefit CARE House.  And even if you’re not, that is okay too!  There are several festivals happening around town, including the Fenwick Festival (my alma mater!), the Ascension Festival, and the St. Peter Parish Festival.  At Yankee Trace, many people will be playing golf as part of the 2nd Annual Glow Fore Wishes Golf Scramble to benefit A Special Wish Foundation.  Although registration is full for the event, there are still several sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, so if you are able to help, I encourage you to do so!  And if you feel like catching a show, Hair Spray at La Comedia and The Lion King at the Schuster Center are possible options!

On Saturday, start the day off with another 5k – the First Annual Back to Health 5k, held at Indian Riffle Park.  Up in Troy, get some great produce as part of the Troy Farmers Market.  If you are a teacher, consider going to the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch for the Grants for Classroom Projects.  There are a lot of family friendly options for Saturday, including the Family Fun Day Beach Party & Cruise in at Hueston Woods, the Fenwick Festival, the St. Peter Parish Festival, and the Ascension Festival.  In addition, if you’re of the corny type, Ascension will have its very own Festival Cornhole Tournament.  At RiverScape, rent a kayak and ride the river.  Make sure you wear a life jacket as I once flipped over in an “unflippable” kayak, or so I’m told.  Just leave it to me to do the impossible (I’m sure this won’t happen to you, however)!  In the evening, make your way to the Boonshoft (kids are welcome!) for Hops Over the Moon, which is sure to be a great time, and also supports a great cause!  There are a couple other fun events, including the Clambake For Kids’ Sake at McCormick & Schmicks to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and Party Arty! at the Commander Aero Hangar (Dayton Wright Brothers Airport) to support Culture Works.  Theater options include The Lion King (Schuster Center) and Hair Spray (La Comedia).  And if you’re downtown and love summer concerts, listen to the sounds of Kick-n-Flava as part of the Free Summer Concert Series down at RiverScape.  Wow, my fingers are getting tired from typing all this stuff going on around town!

On Sunday, if you (and your kids) have any energy left, make your way to one of the great festivals going on around town – the Fenwick Festival, the St. Peter Festival, or the Ascension Festival.  If your kids are Disney lovers, consider taking them to Dayton Disneyana at the Holiday Inn  close to the Dayton Mall.  Listen to some of the best local female jazz vocalists as part of the Downtown Summer Music Series – Michelob Women in Jazz Festival at Dave Hall Plaza.  Or at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater, listen to live music as part of World Music Fest!  And finally, hurry up and get to the Schuster Center to see The Lion King if you haven’t already done so!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

How does a man on the moon cut his hair?

Eclipse it.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Calzones, Community & Culture Works: Help Milano’s support local arts in Dayton

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On select days in May, Milano’s Atlantic City Submarines will be doing their part to help support Dayton’s rich and vibrant arts community.

Every Wednesday in May, Milano’s will donate 20% of each sale to Culture Works, the united arts fund and service agency that provides funds and services for many non-profit art agencies in the Greater Dayton area.

All three restaurant locations are participating in the promotion.

Present this flyer to a staff member at Milano’s on the designated days to donate a portion of your sale to Culture Works.

9572 Springboro Pike, Miamisburg

2260 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek

1834 Brown Street, Dayton

May 5, 12, 19 and 26.