Who we are
The Light Overcomes by Marsha Pippenger
Nonprofit Arts Organization
MISSION STATEMENT
Culture Works is the funding, advocacy, and service organization that passionately inspires, supports, and sustains arts and culture in the Dayton Region. As the united arts fund and arts service agency for the Dayton Region, Culture Works believes that creating and maintaining a vibrant and attractive community filled with quality arts brings measurable and immeasurable value to our citizens. From providing inspiring educational opportunities for our children, to attracting and retaining employees in our region, to adding beauty and entertainment to our lives, arts and culture 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 many nonprofit arts organizations operating in the Dayton Region. We are privileged to partner with corporations, foundations, and individuals like you to secure a flourishing and creative environment for area residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Our History
FOUNDED IN 1974
In 1974, The Dayton Performing Arts Fund was founded to provide operating support for the Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Opera, and Dayton Ballet. In 1989, recognizing the need to expand the number of organizations served, it was renamed ArtsDayton, and additional organizations were chosen as recipients of funding. In 1993, The Miami Valley Arts Council and ArtsDayton merged to become Culture Works, expanding the scope of services and the geographic reach of the organization.
Culture Works continues to build on this collaborative legacy, seeking even better ways each year to serve as a cultural catalyst for the Dayton Region.
OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAIR
Stacey Lawson
Chief Human Resources Officer
Premier Health
VICE CHAIR
Sarah Chapman
Senior Director Digital Strategy
CareSource
SECRETARY
Michael W. King
Executive Engineer
Messer Construction
TREASURER
Matt Scarr
Owner
Matthew J. Scarr, CPA LLC
TRUSTEES, EX OFFICIO
Matt Dunn
Interim Executive Director, Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District
Sheri Sword
VP Communications/Executive Director of WIBN, Better Business Bureau of Dayton and the Miami Valley
Richard Valentine
Senior Relationship Strategist, PNC
TRUSTEES
Jim Ahrns
Controller, Think Patented
Brandy Bates
Director, Human Resources, CareSource
Mary Bane, M.D.
President, Concentric Solutions
Deron Bell
Music Director, Restorative Justice Arts
Emily Broughton
Director of Marketing & Development, Preschool Promise, Inc.
John Curran
Technical Director, Town Hall Theatre
Greg Ewers
Attorney, Coolidge Wall Co., LPA
Diane Farrell
Community Volunteer
Bryan Greene
Principal, Champlin Architecture
David Litteral
Market President, iHeart Media
Carol Loranger
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Wright State University
Jessica Meyerhofer
Senior Manager, KBR, Inc.
Brian Nelson
Private Banker II, Fifth Third Bank
Melissa Riley Patsiavos
Business Development Manager, Dayton Business Journal
Paul Spain
CEO, PUI Audio, Inc.
Sally Struthers, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus and Adjunct Faculty, Sinclair Community College
Adjunct Faculty, Wright State University
Jennifer Thein
Vice President, Thein Financial LLC
Thomas B. Thickel
Retired, Levin Porter Architects
Community Volunteer
Amanda Thompson
Vice President, Growth Services, JJR Solutions LLC
Christopher Williams
Director of Business Development and Marketing, Elements IV Interiors
Our Team

LISA HANSON
President/CEO
KAREN MANER
Director of Grantmaking
Bill Perry
Director of Development & Marketing
Dorie Watts
Director of Program Operations and Advocacy
Benjamin Baugham
Community Engagement Coordinator
Vanessa Black
Donor Relations Specialist
Arlt & Company, LLC
Contract Finance TeamOUR SUPPORTERS
Our supporters believe in the transformative power of the arts. Their investment in arts and culture strengthens our economic ecosystem, stimulates creative thinking in our community, and creates opportunities for enrichment and engagement for people of all ages.
FINANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY
Culture Works takes its responsibility to be good stewards of the funds entrusted to us by the community seriously.
Click the image below to view the latest version of our Annual Report:
You may also click here to download a PDF version of this report.
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS