Dayton is becoming incubator for artists
Lisa Hanson directs Culture Works, which helps 11 arts groups.
Dayton is home to the largest international festival in Ohio.
That’s just one testament to the vibrant cultural and artistic community that exists in the Gem City. One person who makes that happen is Culture Works’ newest executive director, Lisa Hanson.
Hanson, who makes sure the organizations, events, museums and other entities that make Dayton a hot spot for the arts get the attention and exposure they deserve, recently sat down with the Dayton Daily News.
In 2017, Hanson was named Culture Works’ newest executive director. Previously, Hanson was the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio’s executive director and was the Ohio Arts Alliance and the Ohio Citizens for the Arts spokeswoman.
Hanson and her husband moved to Dayton 23 years ago after meeting at the University of Miami in Florida, where they both earned music degrees.
“We found that the Dayton region offered an abundance of quality opportunities for our family,” Hanson said. “I am happy to say that Dayton has not disappointed! Year after year, we became more involved in the Dayton arts scene and more passionate about ensuring that the same arts experiences we have enjoyed would be available for generations to come.”
What do you appreciate most about the Dayton arts and culture community?
Hanson: “The Dayton region is unique, especially for its size. Much larger communities cannot boast the number of museums and art exhibition spaces we enjoy, well-supported professional opera and theater companies, professional ballet companies, an amazing philharmonic orchestra, a world-renowned contemporary dance company and so much more. Currently, Dayton
is becoming an incubator for individual artists, which is especially exciting.”
What are you up to when you are not keeping the Culture Works ship run-
Hanson: “Well, as a musi- cian myself and the parent of artistic children, we are always involved in the arts. My husband and I still perform and have performed with the Dayton Opera Cho- and enjoy water sports and rus, in addition to other prodesire to take up biking — we fessional performance opporjust need a few more hours tunities. My husband, Mark, in the day!” is a conductor, composer and arranger, so we are always looking for new and exciting ways to express ourselves and enrich communication through the arts with our community. We enjoy our family life very much and are heavily involved in the activities of our four chil- dren. There is always a performance or activity to attend! ... We do love work- ing on our historic home What is something about Culture Works that every Daytonian should know?
Hanson: “Culture Works provides general operating support to 11 major arts orga- nizations in our region. We provide scholarships and individual artist grants (in partnership with Montgom- ery County Arts and Cultural District). Through a single donation to Culture Works, cation, business, govern- ment and community. The website will support a new arts education portal that is designed to connect educators to arts experiences that enrich core curriculum lessons. This will be launched early 2019.
“Also, we are excited to Any big projects you have offer $40,000, in partnership coming up this next year? with Montgomery County
Hanson: “This year at CulArts and Cultural District, ture Works, we are work- in individual artist opportu- ing on a new look and webnity grants this year! Applisite that is reflective of our cations are being accepted connection to arts organi- now through October 1st zations, artists, arts edu- through our website www. an individual can impact the entire artistic eco-system here in the Miami Valley. Many do not know that with a donation of $85 they will receive a “Passport to the Arts” which provides buy one-get one tick- ets to over 80 performances for one year!” cultureworks.org.”
what are some of your favorite Dayton spots?
Hanson: “That is difficult to narrow down! Now more than ever, we have so many great places to choose from. Of course, I love live music, so when you can enjoy a meal and/or a drink while listening to live music, it just doesn’t get any better.”