Thank you for your interest in the Associate Board of the Dayton Art Institute! The Dayton Art Institute Associate Board was established in 1962 as a group of community leaders who support the museum's sustainability and growth. The Associate Board is a working board of volunteers responsible for planning, executing and ensuring the financial success of the DAI’s largest fundraising events: Art Ball and Oktoberfest. Since its inception, these incredible volunteers have raised over $9 million and committed more than 385,000 volunteer hours!
Associate Board Mission and Vision
Our mission is to cultivate a thriving arts community by supporting the Dayton Art Institute’s initiatives. We envision a future where art is accessible to all and events serve as experiences to further arts and culture. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to inspire future generations to appreciate and engage with the arts. By collaborating with local businesses and organizations, we play a critical role in raising funds for the museum, covering everything from daily operating expenses to new art acquisition, art conservation and more.
The Associate Board assists in the planning of two major museum fundraisers, Oktoberfest and Art Ball. Oktoberfest, the museum’s largest fundraiser, is the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in southwest Ohio. The DAI Oktoberfest was established by the Associate Board in 1971, with the first full public festival in 1972. Each year, the Associate Board organizes the festival as a fundraiser to support the museum’s ongoing initiatives. Over the years, the Associate Board has raised millions of dollars for the museum through Oktoberfest. Since its inception, more than 1 million people have attended Oktoberfest and each year the festival averages 25,000 guests.
Art Ball traces its roots back to Dayton’s Holiday Ball, first held as a fundraiser for the art museum on December 7, 1957. Organized by the Junior League of Dayton, the event was held at the DAI, with proceeds benefiting the museum. In 1965, the DAI’s newly formed Associate Board took over planning and organizing the gala. The event continues to honor its legacy while reinventing itself year after year, as the Art Ball chairs strive to bring the community a new twist while preserving the favorite event elements that the community cherishes. Over the years, the event has evolved into a signature celebration of art and community known as Art Ball. Artworks acquired by the museum thanks to Art Ball funds raised by the Associate Board include Superman by Andy Warhol, Free Sample, Take One by De Scott Evans, Night Scene by Carl Rudolph Krafft and Allegory of Summer and Winter by Giovanni Battista Pittoni. In recent years, the funds have been earmarked for operating the historic building and conserving the artwork.
Nominations are now CLOSED for our newest Associate Board members. Please check back later to submit your application for consideration for the next class!
To be considered for Associate Board membership, interested duos should submit an application at the link below. Applications are accepted each year from August 1 through September 15. Interviews are conducted in October, with notifications made shortly thereafter. The Associate Board year begins with New Member Orientation on the third Thursday in January.
Who can join the Associate Board?
Any adult duo over the age of 21 who is willing and able to commit to Associate Board requirements is eligible to apply. This is a duo Board, which means two people serve together as a unit for the Board term. Duos can be any type of partnership (e.g., spouses, partners, colleagues, family members, friends, etc.).
What types of volunteers are best suited to the Associate Board?
This is a hands-on, interactive, working Board! If you enjoy teamwork, event logistics (both planning and execution) and group volunteering, the Associate Board is a great fit.
How long is the Associate Board term?
The DAI Associate Board term is four years, with each year running January to December. The Board is divided into four classes: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior.
What is the Associate Board commitment?
Associate Board members commit to:
Attending meetings (both full Board and committees as assigned). The Associate Board meets on the third Thursday of February, March, April, May, July, August, September and November from 5:30-7:30 PM at the museum.
Participating in Art Ball and Oktoberfest (both advance work and setup, and the event itself). Art Ball is the second Saturday in June, and Oktoberfest is the fourth full weekend in September.
Completing an annual financial commitment (including dues, event tickets and museum membership). This amount is approximately $1,095 per year, per duo.
How much time does being an Associate Board member take?
The average Associate Board member gives about 75 hours of service each year, with those in leadership positions (such as Executive Committee officers, event chairs and committee chairs) giving more.
Who can I contact for more information?
Questions? Contact Audrey Starr (AB ’22), signature events coordinator, at astarr@daytonart.org or 937-223-5277 x211, who serves as DAI staff liaison to the Associate Board.