DAYTON ART INSTITUTE CANCELS SIGNATURE EVENTS, INCLUDING ART BALL, OKTOBERFEST
DAI director/CEO says canceling events was tough decision.
The Dayton Art Institute has decided to cancel Oktoberfest and other signature events for 2020, but plans to reopen the museum soon.
DAI announced on Tuesday that it will reopen the museum to members on July 10 and to the general public on July 17.
The museum also announced that, due to ongoing uncertainties related to COVID-19 and large gatherings, it will cancel all three of its 2020 Signature Events: Art Ball, Bourbon & Bubbles and Oktoberfest. Art Ball and Bourbon & Bubbles had previously been postponed with hopes of fall dates, and Oktoberfest was scheduled to take place Sept. 25–27, 2020. These events serve as key fund-raisers for the museum.
The cancellation of the museum’s signature events does not affect wedding and event rentals at the museum.
“The decision to cancel our Signature Events, especially Oktoberfest, was a tremendously difficult one to make,” DAI Director and CEO Michael R. Roediger said in a news release. “Not only do they bring together so many people from throughout the region, but they are also our biggest fundraisers and contribute significant income to our operating budget each year. Rest assured that Oktoberfest, as well as Art Ball and Bourbon & Bubbles, will be back, bigger and better than ever, in 2021.”
During an interview after the announcement, Roediger explained that collectively, these events bring in approximately $600,000 each year, which is a significant portion of the museum’s nearly $5 million yearly operating budget. “With the shutdown
and loss of these events, we are easily going to have a $1 million shortfall,” he said.
This shortfall has been partially offset by $500,000 the museum received as part of the government’s stimulus program. It has allowed DAI to retain all of its full-time staff throughout the shutdown. However, Roediger emphasized that it’s important the museum make up the rest of the shortfall through membership renewals, donations, and visits to the museum.
“The arts are part of the fabric of the Dayton community,” Roediger said. “We are top-ranked in the nation when it comes to arts offerings, and it is a draw for employers looking to relocate here. If people love and value the arts community here, they have to invest and help us all get through this. No one should feel their gift isn’t big enough. We are so appreciative of any gift, even $10, to help us bridge our funding gap.”
Museum reopening plan, new rules
The museum will reopen with limited hours of 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, noon–5 p.m. on Sundays. When the museum reopens on July 10, new policies and safety measures will be in place to protect staff and guests. These changes include:
■ Physical distancing measures to ensure guests remain six feet from others not in their group
■ All staff and guests will be required to wear face coverings while visiting the museum. Enhanced cleaning procedures in place throughout the museum
■ Protective shields installed at the museum’s Guest Services Desk
■ All museum tours will be self-guided, in-person programs and interactive activities will not be available and The Lange Family Experiencenter will remain closed.
Virtual Oktoberfest
The museum will launch a “Virtual Oktoberfest” fundraiser in August, offering a limited-edition 2020 Oktoberfest package that includes a T-shirt and mug, as well as other unique items. More details to come soon.
What’s on view
The DAI’s Museum Store will also reopen on July 10, and the Special Exhibition Samurai, Ghosts and Lovers: Yoshitoshi’s Complete 100 Aspects of the Moon had been extended through Sept. 13. The Focus Exhibitions Photographs from the Collection, Swashbuckling Samurai and In the Company of Friends: The Kettering and Patterson Legacy will also be on view when the DAI reopens.
Museum tickets
Advance tickets are not required to visit the museum, but capacity may be limited in some galleries and the Special Exhibition. Museum admission is $15 adults, $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more), $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7-17), free for children (ages 6 & younger) and museum members.