CURATING THE FUTURE
THE DECORATIVE ARTS CENTER OF OHIO
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio (DACO) is a museum and cultural center, established in 2001, that is dedicated to American decorative arts from the 18th century to the present. Located in historic Lancaster, Ohio, DACO presents rotating exhibitions of furniture, painting, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, glass, and folk art alongside contemporary craft, fashion and design.
The Center offers public programs including lectures, workshops, gallery talks and art classes for children and adults. DACO also hosts a nationally recognized biennial juried exhibition that highlights emerging and established makers.
Housed in a restored 19th-century building, DACO combines historical context with contemporary conversation, preserving craft traditions while supporting innovation and education for visitors of all ages.
CURATING THE FUTURE
For nearly 25 years, the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio (DACO) has enriched the human experience through the arts, inspiring passion and imagination while fostering appreciation for creativity in all its forms. As we reach this silver anniversary milestone, we are proud to reflect on the vibrant role DACO plays in our community—preserving cultural heritage, fostering artistic expression, and providing educational opportunities for all ages. However, sustaining this legacy for the next generation requires a bold investment in our future.
The 25th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign is a transformative initiative designed to ensure DACO remains a vital resource for our community and a guardian of Ohio’s decorative arts legacy. Through the support of our donors and partners, this two-year campaign will address critical priorities aligned with our mission and vision.
Sustainability
To secure the long-term health of our organization, we must invest in operational resilience and infrastructure. Funds raised will bolster our endowment, maintain our historic facilities, and enable us to navigate future challenges while staying true to our mission. A strong financial foundation ensures DACO can continue to inspire and serve for generations to come.Community Engagement
At the heart of DACO’s mission is a commitment to engaging and uplifting our community. This campaign will expand access to programs, exhibitions, and events that reflect the diversity of Ohio’s heritage and audience. By strengthening partnerships, enhancing educational offerings, and reaching underserved populations, we will ensure that the Decorative Arts Center is accessible to all.Cultural Legacy
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio is entrusted with the care and interpretation of its historic decorative arts collection, the iconic Reese-Peters House, and the surrounding historic grounds. This campaign will support essential conservation efforts, thoughtful programming, and innovative exhibitions that bring these treasures to life. By deepening our focus on preserving and sharing the architecture, history, and artistry of these assets, we honor our past while creating meaningful connections and inspiring creativity for future generations.
Curating the Future seeks philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, and businesses to establish sustainable funding for operations, collections care, educational programming, and community enrichment. The campaign will position the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio to serve as a stronger cultural resource, drive cultural tourism, and inspire future generations of makers and collectors.
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