Transforming communities by elevating Artists.

Our Mission

At DAC, we don’t just support artists—we empower them to transform communities through their creativity. Our innovative programming, professional development, and public engagement initiatives enable artists to thrive both creatively and financially, dismantling the outdated "starving artist" mentality.

DAC was built from the ground up to challenge traditional institutions and redefine how artists are supported. We serve emerging and hobby-level artists who seek to expand their creative careers and lifestyles.

We go beyond career-building. We cultivate mindsets, foster deep-rooted community connections, and support artists in achieving their unique goals—whether they aspire to professional success, personal fulfillment, or a combination of both.

Our Story

Our Impact

Founded in 2017, DAC has built a dynamic ecosystem that fosters artistic growth. We provide artists with:

Presentation Opportunities – We create events and opportunities for artists to thrive, unlike anything else in our area.
Peer Connections – Through groups, mixers, mentorship, and our events, we nurture a supportive network for collaboration and connection.
Professional Development – We are committed to transforming the mindset, business, and marketing practices of artists to ensure they have the tools they need at an affordable cost.
Community Engagement – We nurture the community alongside our incredible artists because our community deserves elevated culture. You can’t have that without elevated artists.

Our 2024 Impact Since Day 1

Community Members Showed Up for Events & Programming

Creative Events We Have Built from Scratch

Total Revenue We have generated since inception from an organization we invented.

$2.2 Million

42

Staff and Board Members that have invested in growing and nurturing DAC since the start.

938

237

Artist Members Engaged in our Artist Workforce Programming

Artists Served Since inception

102K

202

Why We’re Different

At DAC, we challenge the traditional notion of the "starving artist" by fostering an ecosystem where artists thrive professionally and creatively. What sets us apart:

Entrepreneurial Approach – We equip artists with the tools and business acumen to sustain successful careers.
Innovative Programming – From youth mentorship to large-scale creative markets, our programs provide real-world opportunities.
Community-Centered Growth – We integrate artists directly into the community, making art accessible and impactful.
Financial Sustainability for Artists – Our programs actively help artists increase their income plus change their mindset, ensuring long-term success.
Inclusive & Diverse Spaces – We welcome artists of all backgrounds and mediums, fostering a collaborative and progressive environment.

At DAC, we are not just supporting artists—we are redefining what it means to be a successful creative professional.

Our Programs

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.
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.
Artpothecary
Our creative public art space at our headquarters facilitates artistic collaboration, workshops, and community-driven events. The space is where we operate our programming, including our flagship “Artist Rising” kids summer program. We also rent it out for private and public creative events, making it a vibrant hub for artistic expression and engagement.
Artist Rising
A youth entrepreneurial program for ages 9-14, providing mentorship and hands-on experience in fine arts, ceramics, and handmade products. Participants gain real-world experience in artistic business practices, culminating in an exhibition where they showcase and sell their work.
West Side Creative Market
A vibrant market we built from an empty parking lot showcasing local artists, fostering community engagement, and supporting creative entrepreneurs. The market offers artists a platform to sell their work, build clientele, and engage with the local community in a dynamic and inspiring environment. We have private events in this space plus partner with other organizations to utilize the space.
West Rehoboth Legacy Mural
The West Rehoboth Legacy Mural celebrates and preserves the largely unknown Black, brown, and African American history of West Rehoboth, fostering pride and cultural awareness. We also host an annual community-wide Juneteenth celebration.

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Our 2025 Goals & Strategic Focus

Build a $138,000 reserve fund and pay off $50,000 in existing debt.
Streamline financial management and enhance transparency.
Launch a 2-year capital campaign to renovate the Malloy Building and Creative Market.
Implement a new affordable annual Artist Membership investment for better sustainability of the Artist Development program allowing us to invest more in our members.

Operations & Sustainability

Elevate the Creative Market by introducing 1 new operational day (Sound Bites Sundays) with more live music, food vendors, and new artist showcases.
Strengthen TacoMania’s impact with a VIP experience and expanded cultural elements to honor hispanic hertiage.
Host new private parties at the Artpothecary, large privte & community events at West Side Creative Market for increased passive income.

Community Engagement

Expand Emerge into a subscription based platform to become more accessible to serve more Artists. Integrate mentorship more impactfully.
Help artists increase annual income from $11,000 to $20,000 through business education and financial resources.
Launch a public artist directory for greater visibility and networking.
Rebuild the DAC Artist Hub for a new streamlined & functional space.

Artist Development & Emerge