Built for Artists.
Open to Everyone.
The DAC (Developing Artist Collaboration) elevates artists to build thriving creative lives and connect them directly with the community through public art experiences.
Artists Transform Communities.
We Make Sure They Have What They Need To Do It.
DAC helps artists build sustainable creative careers through education, mentorship, community, exhibitions, and real opportunities to earn. We bring those artists into direct relationship with the public creating experiences that build audiences, strengthen the creative economy, and make our community a more vibrant place to live.
When artists thrive, communities thrive with them.
How You Can Experience DAC
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![Aerial view of an outdoor creative market with vendor stalls and people gathered under a setting sun, surrounded by green grass and nearby buildings.]()
West Side Creative Market
Shop, connect, and experience local artists. Open Mondays & Fridays 5-9PM in the summer in West Rehoboth.
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Emerge Creative Business Program
DAC’s flagship creative workforce development programming.
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![A group of people in a colorful, modern art studio with a mural wall, ceiling lights, and seating area.]()
Artpothecary
A pop-up gallery + event space for immersive art experiences, because art is medicine.
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![Person holding a spray paint can near artwork on a table, smiling at the camera.]()
Artist Development
Resources, community, and opportunities for artists at every stage.
For Artists at Every Stage
DAC is built by artists, for artists. We give creatives the tools, opportunities, community, and support to build the career that makes sense for them. That might mean turning a creative practice into meaningful supplemental income, building toward a full-time career, or scaling a growing creative business.
Our Artist Development programs are designed to meet artists where they are. From someone falling in love with their glue gun in retirement to someone building the next national creative brand.
How We Serve Artists
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CONNECTION
Relationships Create Opportunity.
Artists often work in isolation. DAC connects artists with structured mentorship, engaged collaborators, buyers, collectors, and most importantly, one another. We believe no artist succeeds alone. That's why we intentionally build connection into everything we do. From artist groups that meet year-round to accountability partners, networking opportunities, and mentorship that help artists grow together.
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OPPORTUNITY
Opportunity Creates Income.
Talent alone doesn't build a career; opportunity does. DAC creates real pathways for artists to sell their work, exhibit publicly, and connect with new audiences. We believe artists deserve more than exposure. They deserve real opportunities to earn income, grow their audience, and build sustainable creative careers..
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EDUCATION
Knowledge Creates Sustainable Careers.
Artists are small business owners, but they're selling something deeply personal. Pricing, marketing, and selling your work can feel vulnerable in ways most businesses don't experience. DAC's educational programming was built by artists, for artists, combining practical business tools built for creative brains with mentorship from people who truly understand the journey.
Where Artists Meet Their Audience
DAC creates experiences that help people discover artists, understand the creative economy, and become active supporters of creative careers.
Through West Side Creative Market, Artpothecary exhibitions, public events, workshops, and artist-led experiences, we bring people into direct relationship with working artists… not just as shoppers, but as collectors, collaborators, commissioners, advocates, and community partners.
When the public understands the value of artists, artists have more ways to thrive, and the whole community becomes more vibrant because of it.
How We Serve The Community
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CONNECTION
Art Brings People Together.
DAC creates welcoming spaces where neighbors, artists, businesses, and visitors connect through shared creative experiences. Every event strengthens relationships, builds belonging, and creates a more connected community.
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OPPORTUNITY
Artists Fuel Local Economies.
Thriving artists create thriving communities. By connecting artists with customers, businesses, and public spaces, DAC helps keep creative dollars local, activates neighborhoods, and supports a stronger regional economy. Trust us, we’ve facilitated almost $3,000,000 in artist sales!
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EDUCATION
Creative Communities Don't Happen by Accident.
DAC helps people understand the value of the creative economy. Through public programming, artist engagement, workshops, and everyday conversations, we inspire people to support local artists, value handmade work, and recognize how creativity strengthens communities.
DAC isn’t just a concept, it’s a growing ecosystem where artists build real careers and communities connect through creativity. Since 2017:
1,300+ Artists Supported
155,000+ Community Attendees
375+ Events Produced
$2.3M+ in Artist Sales Generated from our Events
Behind every number is an artist gaining confidence, building income, and creating meaningful connections with their community.
DAC’s Flagship Workforce Program for Artists: Emerge
Emerge is DAC’s flagship program designed to help artists build sustainable creative careers. It was built by artists, for artists—because we’ve lived the same challenges and know what it takes to move from inconsistent and overwhelming to focused and sustainable.
Through structured support, mentorship, and real-world tools, Emerge helps artists turn their work into something they can actually build a life around.
We are proudly expanding Emerge to New Castle County in 2026 through a partnership with the Delaware Art Museum.
Explore More with DAC
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Want to Find an Artist?
Connect directly with DAC artists.
Hire for commissions, events, or discover work you love. -
![Aerial view of an outdoor creative market with vendor stalls and people gathered under a setting sun, surrounded by green grass and nearby buildings.]()
Fresh Art Pop-Up Shows
Experience rotating exhibitions from DAC artists during the summer season.
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![A group of people in a colorful, modern art studio with a mural wall, ceiling lights, and seating area.]()
Private Events with DAC
We create unforgettable gatherings. Book the Artpothecary or West Side Creative Market for private events, workshops, or celebrations.
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![Person holding a spray paint can near artwork on a table, smiling at the camera.]()
West Rehoboth Legacy Project
Honoring history through art.
Explore the stories, culture, and community that inspire our work. -
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TacoMania - 10/8/2026
Our biggest, boldest community event.
Food, art, music, and energy! This is DAC’s mission at full volume and biggest annual fundraiser.
Explore Upcoming Events
“DAC is the backbone of the West Rehoboth community—connecting artists and neighbors through creative experiences that are always evolving, always welcoming, and rooted in growth.”
“I’ve been with DAC since the beginning, and I’ve watched it grow into something that truly supports artists—not just creatively, but in building real, sustainable paths forward.”
Why People Support DAC
DAC is more than a series of programs—it’s a growing ecosystem where artists build sustainable careers and communities come together through creativity.
When you support DAC, you’re not just funding events. You’re investing in artists gaining confidence, generating income, and building real futures through their work while strengthening our community's cultural fabric.
Find Your Way Into DAC
Build your creative career with structure, support, and real opportunities.
Experience art in a way that’s alive, local, and constantly evolving.
Invest in artists and help build a more vibrant creative economy.