Keep the Arts Alive in Durango and beyond!

The DAC has survived and thrived through the pandemic, and had a meaningful impact on our community through a robust year-round offering of quality programs. Yet we need your help now more than ever to keep going, and to stay true to our word that we never turn a child away for an inability to afford camp or classes. Please give what you can. It is hard to imagine childhood without a creative outlet, and with your help, the 60+ families who rely on income support can look forward to a joyful year ahead. Studies show that art, music and theater education contribute to overall improved mental health, and an increased aptitude for problem solving and critical thinking. Please invest in the youth of today so our community can count on a happy tomorrow! 

The DAC is a registered 501(c)3 non profit. 

Whether you're a newcomer or a local, you've likely had an experience at the DAC. Perhaps you've attended a children's musical, a play or a film in the theater, taken an art class like figure drawing, painting or the popular "Pots & Pints" class with friends on a Friday evening. Maybe you've shopped at the annual Autumn Arts Festival where over 100 artists come from around the country to share their talent along E. 2nd Ave while the colors change. And hopefully you've enjoyed the DAC's year round Artisan's Market and winter Gift Gallery that help support the livelihood of over 50 local artists. The DAC offers art classes not only for all ages, but for all abilities, including disabled adults and those experiencing Parkinson's disease. 

These are all reasons to be a part of making sure that art lives on. Thousands of locals and tourists each year rely on the keystone events and educational enrichment that the DAC provides. A big secret is that the DAC is not a municipal entity, so it relies on the generosity of donors like you to continue this important work. The DAC owns it's own building, and pays for the maintenance and upkeep of a 17,000 square foot hundred year old home. It also employs between 10-20 people on any given day depending on the events that are happening. The expenses that go into securely maintaining and operating a non profit of this size and scope are high. We are happy to have our first contribution this year from the increase of the lodger's tax for arts and cultural organizations as it afforded us a replacement of the theater roof. It's very nice that the children don't have to step over rain buckets backstage anymore. 

There is a multiplier effect that may interest you: For every dollar someone spends at the DAC on a play ticket or a class, or a piece of art, they spend between $12-$20 more downtown at restaurants, shopping and even more if they stay in a hotel. The economic benefit of a robust keystone arts center keeps our downtown economy humming. This vibrancy is critical to the health of our community. 

Throughout the pandemic, we have seen a great amount of loss and sadness. However, the DAC is place where people come to find community, and to create something of meaning. Often they discover a purpose or a calling here--a new passion for being part of an improv troupe, discovering they can create something from clay, or giving back through teaching through our leadership programs for teens. We see people who come inside feeling very low, and they leave with something new to celebrate and to be joyful about. We are honored and grateful to be providing such services to our community during a time when it is needed most. Thank you for being an important part of the arts in our region!