40. Community Need The purpose of this request is to assist Dayton Live in the costs associated with the development and presentation of Arts Accessibility Programming. These costs include subsidizing tickets, subsidizing Dayton Live spaces, subsidizing production costs, master class fees, artist fees, use of the Dayton Live facilities for meals, staff and volunteer training, and costs associated with the presentation of professional productions.

These funds will be allocated to the implementation of the following programs:
The Dayton Live Discovery Series is a curated series of performing arts experiences that provide students with new pathways for achievement both inside and outside of the classroom. These productions provide one of the few opportunities for students to access these pathways by experiencing live theatre performed on a professional stage using state-of-the-art production and technology. With schools drastically reducing investment in arts-based education, this series is the ideal program to fill this need, subsidizing school costs at a 75-95% discount. Each production has been carefully selected to enhance State of Ohio academic standards throughout multiple subject areas ranging from interactive music productions to STEM based science presentations. This has been one of the most sought-after programs at Dayton Live.

In addition, Dayton Live has identified and seeks to address the need for opportunities for families with neurodivergent members by presenting sensory friendly performances. Sensory Friendly performances present a judgement-free zone with environmental adaptations such as quieter sound effects and amplification, dimmed house lights, and freedom to move about the theatre as well as vocalize throughout the performance without risk of admonishment so that patrons may enjoy themselves in an inclusive, accommodating environment. Dayton Live intends to use the arts to help families gain access to new experiences, give them the opportunity to be engaged in a unique way in their community, and allow them to interact with different people in a safe, comfortable, and welcoming space.

The Dayton Live Community Spotlight Program at the PNC Arts Annex supports under-resourced community groups, musicians, poets, performing arts companies, and other organizations by providing a state-of-the-art venue for them to share their artistry, voice, and message at little or no cost. Community Spotlight aims to remove barriers to accessing high-quality rehearsal and performance space for independent artists and companies based in the region. Program participants have access to a modern 199-seat venue and can utilize the professional expertise of Dayton Live programming staff and marketing presence on the DaytonLive.org website. This program works with artists and arts workers of all disciplines, backgrounds, and career stages to help them reach their goals. The Community Spotlight is core to the Dayton Live mission and built on the belief that arts and culture build healthy, vibrant communities and that access to a diverse range of creative opportunities enriches lives.

This program seeks to fill a clear need in the community, each focused on providing access to the arts at the venues of Dayton Live. Through continuous budget cuts in arts education, local students are continually losing what little access they had to the performing arts, and subsequently any performance-based education opportunities. The school day presentations of Dayton Live seek to provide this access to these disadvantaged local students while simultaneously providing programming to uphold State of Ohio academic standards. Likewise, artistic opportunities for independent artists and their organizations locally have little or no access to professional venues to grow their community organizations and display their talents. The Community Spotlight provides this access and helps nurture these artists into the growing arts sector of Dayton. Due to a lack of opportunities, families with neurodivergent members (especially those on the autism spectrum) struggle to find accessible arts experiences due to a combination of perceived public admonishment and a lack of suitable programming. The sensory friendly programming of Dayton Live provides unique access to the performing arts that likewise would be limited or not exist at all locally. The performing arts sector has historically been slow to react to societal change and need for access. Dayton Live is committed to leading the way to address this need by providing access for all in the community who believe the arts are an important part of their life journey.