Fall 2009

Janice Driesbach,

Director and CEO

We take great pride in The Dayton Art Institute’s centrality in our community. This is evidenced by the number of visitors and members, and in the variety and meaningful character of the many partnerships we undertake. A commitment to fostering current partnerships and developing new ones is a key element of our new strategic plan.

The museum engages in a variety of collaborative initiatives with schools and youth programs in our area. One of my favorites this year was the involvement of Franklin Montessori School in developing the Exploring Art A to Z installation in our Experiencenter. Students created art that decorates the gallery space (including the signature letters), “test marketed” the activities, and participated in tours and workshops. Another prized student-related collaboration is “Weed and Seed,” which provides transportation for students from East Dayton to visit each Thursday afternoon for activities with DAI instructors.

Partnerships with area institutions of higher learning also abound. These range from our staff presenting talks at various campuses and faculty participating on our Education and Exhibitions committee, to more in-depth experiences.Professor Alejandra Gimenez Berger’s students at Wittenberg University assisted with researching pre-Columbian art works on view in our galleries. We look forward to working with University of Dayton on a retrospective exhibition for Willis “Bing” Davis, opening in late 2010. Sinclair Community College and Wright State University are likewise valued partners.

The DAI also values undertaking joint projects with area arts groups, such as the new Art and Arias program this fall in collaboration with Dayton Opera.

We are likewise committed to collaborations with an array of community partners. Among examples are programs we are offering in conjunction with our 90 Treasures exhibition, with partners as diverse as the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and the Miami Valley Astronomical Society. A recent conference developed at The Dayton Art Institute, “The Art of Securing the Priceless,” attracted local and state law enforcement personnel and representatives from the Office of Emergency Management and Department of Homeland Security, as well as staff members from museums throughout the state.

These partnerships allow us to offer stronger programs and establish positive relationships with diverse sectors of our community. The talent and resources of our partners are key to fulfilling our mission of enriching lives and serving the community by creating meaningful experiences with art.

Best wishes,
Jan