Culture Works is an organization that supports many non-profit art associations in the Dayton region, such as Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, the Human Race Theatre, the Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Opera and the Dayton Ballet, according to Amanda Romero, co-chair of Employee Workplace Giving Campaign.
“Culture Works has built partnerships with many organizations in the region,” Romero said. “They have many opportunities for people to get involved in the arts, including career and volunteer opportunities.”
Romero, who is also the Chair of Design at Sinclair, is joined by design professor Kyle Fisk, as co-chair for Sinclair’s Culture Works Employee Workplace Giving Campaign. Sinclair has been a long supporter of Culture Works.
“We have been co-chairs for three years—we have been supporters of this organization for years. I’ve always participated in some way in the arts,” Romero said.
Romero takes art to heart by bringing it to the community. She has had the opportunity to be board member of the Dayton Visual Arts Center and the Dayton Playhouse, both of which are supported and have received funds from Culture Works. Fisk has also been involved in the arts by serving as a board member of Arts Center Dayton.
Culture Works receives funding from various foundations, individual gifts, corporate gifts and workplace gifts, according to Romero.
She stresses the importance of art in the community because it makes Dayton “a vital city.” Building a creative workforce requires economic development and education, but it can be more than just a contribution to the arts, according to Romero, it’s also an investment in the future of Dayton.
“It can boost the economy,” Romero said. “Art plays a huge role in making the city more appealing and can attract the residents and tourists in the region.”
With the passion, Romero has for the arts, she said it has the power to inspire and motivate a community, as well as educate students.
“Art is collaborative and creative outlet for many. It can enhance community engagement and participation,” Romero said. “Arts in education matters.”
Sinclair’s Culture Works Employee Workplace Giving Campaign is running though May 2 to 6. Romero suggests people should attend an art or cultural event, as well as donate any amount in order to support the arts.
Culture Works offers a “Passport to the Arts Membership” to supporters who donate $85 or more to Culture Works. The membership provides buy one, get one free tickets to a variety of arts and cultural events, along with discounts to restaurants and retail stores.
“There are many ways to incorporate art in the Dayton City. I suggest that you start with Culture Works,” Romero said.
For more information, visit www.cultureworks.org or to donate, visit http://6736.thankyou4caring.org/workplace-selection.
Gabrielle Sharp
Executive Editor