DAYTON, OH- (Jan.12, 2026). Culture Works, the Dayton Region’s United Arts Fund and Local Arts Agency, announces a new venture with the Dayton Masonic Center beginning Jan. 8, 2026. CW Events, a subsidiary of Culture Works, will collaborate with members of the Dayton Masonic Center to revitalize, manage, and book the Center’s performance and event venues.   

Culture Works launched CW Events in 2020 to help activate the Dayton Arcade’s Rotunda and Tank as revenue-generating cultural spaces—hosting weddings, performances, corporate events, and community gatherings. Revenue generated through these events was reinvested directly into Culture Works’ grantmaking and arts programs, strengthening the Dayton Region’s arts ecosystem while expanding public access to arts and culture.  

CW Events’ contract to manage and book events at the Dayton Arcade concluded Dec. 8. “As we concluded our contract at the Arcade, we were presented with an opportunity to bring that same expertise to another iconic space—the Dayton Masonic Center,” said Lisa Hanson, President and CEO of Culture Works.   

“Part of Culture Works’ mission is to activate the arts—cultivating a vibrant, attractive region where high-quality arts create lasting value for our community. From day one, CW Events and our work at the Dayton Arcade have supported that mission by curating meaningful arts experiences and securing revenue for our community grant-making.”  

“Now, we are excited to shift our focus to activating the gorgeous Dayton Masonic Center,” Hanson continues. “Our goal is to make this historic venue accessible and affordable for arts and performance organizations, dance competitions, and concerts, while continuing our strong reputation for producing exceptional weddings, galas, and private events in the 500-person ballroom and the building’s other beautiful spaces.”  

“It has been a tremendous honor to be part of the Dayton Arcade’s revitalization,” said Michelle Gnau, Director of Event Production and Sales for CW Events. “We are deeply grateful that this work generated meaningful funding for the arts, and we’re excited to continue that mission up the hill at the Dayton Masonic Center.”  

“The Dayton Masonic Center offers expanded opportunities to welcome local and regional talent into its two large theater spaces,” adds Gnau. “With its beautiful private spaces—including a 500-person ballroom—we can continue delivering exceptional weddings, galas, and events while further supporting the arts community.”  

For more information about Culture Works and the CW Events relationship with the Dayton Masonic Center, contact Diane Schoeffler-Warren at diane@cultureworks.org.