Elevating
Artists
We’re Almost Ready to Build the Creative Market Awning.
We need $5,000 to cross the finish line!
So far, we have raised $33,000 for our awning project, and this is the final leg to get us to the finish line. This year for Do More 24, Delaware’s day of giving, we’re raising $5,000 to finish the final step of a project that will genuinely change what the Creative Market can be for our artists.
We are installing a permanent awning structure so the market can stay open more consistently, but during the planning process we realized something we honestly hadn’t thought about at first, gutters matter more than the roof!
We are so close to bringing this project to life! Invest in our Do More 24 online during Do More 24 from 6PM March 5 to 6PM March 6 — so you can support even if you can’t attend!
Expanding the Arts Starts with the Artist.
The Developing Artist Collaboration (DAC) is not an 'arts organization'. We are an Artist First Movement.
Our model differs from most Arts Non-Profits in a big way. We are here to help Artists nurture their passions in a self-sustaining model. Our purpose is to provide Artists with career development, peer connection, and physical spaces to build elevated creative lifestyles.
Any Artist can join DAC regardless of their skills, medium, or accomplishments. We believe that every Artist has room for growth, and we provide an individual approach in identifying solutions for every Artist we serve.
Our Programs
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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
Our open-air public arts market we built from an empty parking lot that showcases local artists, fosters community engagement, and supports creative entrepreneurs—offering a dynamic public space for selling work, building clientele, hosting private events, and inspiring the community.
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![A group of people in a colorful, modern art studio with a mural wall, ceiling lights, and seating area.]()
Artpothecary
At our headquarters, the Artpothecary—a creative public art space that facilitates our Fresh Art Pop-Up Gallery shows, artistic collaboration, workshops, and community-driven events—its available for private parties, private workshops with DAC Artist Members, or standalone space rentals.
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![Person holding a spray paint can near artwork on a table, smiling at the camera.]()
Local Artist Development
Providing artists at the Delaware Beaches with monthly peer-led groups, showcase opportunities, rentable spaces, modern public directory, opportunity feed, mentorship, and free creative resources to support their growth.
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Emerge
A professional development program for emerging artists, offering structured mentorship, networking, career-building opportunities, and hands-on business training. Artists receive direct guidance from industry professionals to strengthen their artistic and entrepreneurial skills.
Our Impact Since 2017
1028
Artist Members Engaged in Our Programming
127K
Community Members Showed Up for Events & Programming
276
Incredible Community Events We Invented
$2.1 Million
Facilitated Artist Sales at our Events
Upcoming Events
Explore Our Upcoming Events for Artists & The Public
Grassroots Beginnings
DAC began with a bold vision: artists have the power to change the world. What started as a big idea has evolved into the thriving organization we are today—built by Artists, with plenty of support along the way. Our mission and structure are truly one-of-a-kind, setting us apart from any other nonprofit in the world.
Find an Artist
Looking for someone creative? From Artists who can create something custom, to the perfect photographer for your big day… or maybe you just want to browse for something special to treat-yo-self.
Invest in our growth.
Honoring a Historical Community with an Artist’s vision.
