We’re 70% To Our 2025 Fundraising Goal
In 2025, DAC invested boldly in our mission to build a thriving creative economy in Coastal Delaware. Thanks to our donors, artists, partners, and community, this year has been one of the strongest and most transformative in our organization’s history.
We are proud to share that as of November 1, 2025, we have already raised $85,000 of our $125,000 annual fundraising goal — putting us at 70% toward our 2025 year-end target.
To enter 2026 with the strength, sustainability, and momentum our artists deserve, we aim to raise the final $40,000 by December 31, 2025.
What We Achieved in 2025 So Far
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West Side Creative Market Milestones
2025 was our most successful season to date:
144 Artists participated
$300,000+ in artist sales this year
Bringing total sales to over $1,000,000 since 2021
Thanks to donors, Delaware Tourism Office, and the Exelon Foundation:
We replaced the gravel
Removed the center bar
Made the market fully ADA accessible
In 2026, we are investing in a awning and weather-proofing so West Side Creative Market will be RAIN or shine!
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Youth Entrepreneurial Success
Artist Rising, DAC’s creative youth entrepreneurial summer program, where kiddos 9-14 learn from our DAC working artists. Completed its first full year:
91 children participated
30 young artists exhibited and sold their work in our end-of-summer show
$2000 - Investment from M&T Bank Foundation
$1200 - Donor Funds to Subsidize Kids from LMI Families
In 2026, we are investing in new staff leadership with an educational background to enhance the summer program and work on expanding to a Artist Rising Teen Incubator in 2027 so the program becomes year round.
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Artist Workforce Expansion
We launched the Emerge 2025 Artist Pilot, sending 10 DAC Artists through our flagship workforce program. We are investing $40,000 into developing Emerge’s new website & app from scratch plus mentorship, professional development, and community-based creative growth.
$10,000 — Laffey McHugh Foundation
$20,000 — Delaware Division of the Arts
Remaining support from DAC operational funds.
In 2026, we will expand Emerge state-wide to New Castle County in September 2026. We are launching the new Creative Market Artist Incubator to expand our workforce development beyond the Emerge program.
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Artpothecary: A Home for New Creative Voices
In 2025, we transformed the Artpothecary from a DIY studio into a modern public-arts space designed for pop-up shows (we hosted 16 this summer!), gatherings, and creative events. This renovation was funded entirely by DAC operational dollars. Holiday Speakeasy events will now help replenish and strengthen those programming funds.
In 2026, we will expand into Fresh Art Pop-Ups: 25 weekend-long pop-up shows (Fri–Mon). 5 artists awarded $1,000 stipends to create experimental, contemporary installations unlike anything currently offered in our region.
The Artpothecary is becoming a place where artists take risks—and our community gets to witness what’s possible.
Finish the Foundation. Fuel the Future.
Where the Remaining $40,000 Will Go
Our year-end campaign is dedicated to:
Weatherproofing West Side Creative Market and adding a permanent awning to increase accessibility, comfort, and extended-season programming. Construction starts in March 2026.
Meeting required matching and performance benchmarks for a 2023 grant success measure from the Longwood Foundation that positions DAC for a big 2026 Longwood request.
This funding ensures that our cultural hub remains welcoming, resilient, and artist-powered.
There are Two Ways You Can Invest in DAC
Option #1: Invest in Booking a Holiday Speakeasy Event
Give to DAC in a whole new way this Holiday Season! A private holiday gathering inside DAC’s Artpothecary, blending cocktails, creativity, and community impact. Each Speakeasy experience directly supports DAC’s artist workforce development programs — meaning your celebration makes a difference.
The space is transformed into a festive, art-filled lounge featuring a private Emerge Artist Winter Exhibition, signature cocktails, a premium charcuterie spread, and a hands-on DIY ornament-making station. Perfect for staff celebrations, friend gatherings, donor appreciation, board socials, or intimate holiday parties.
Our goal is to raise $25,000 in Holiday Speakeasy investments! There is a flat $1200 fee for a Holiday Speakeasy event up to 30 people.
Now booking December 11th– January 9th. Christmas Eve and New Years Eve & Day are available. Booking is available 7 days a week, based on availability.
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DAC’s Holiday Donor Speakeasy is offered as a private Holiday Celebration for a $1200 fee.
Includes a 3-hour private rental for up to 30 guests
Private Emerge Artist Winter Exhibition (not open to the public)
Festive seasonal décor and Christmas tree photo hub
Create & Take Decoupage Wooden ornament station.
Full open bar: holiday cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer, hot cider, tea & coffee
Access to heated outdoor tent lounge extension
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The Speakeasy comfortably accommodates up to 30 guests. We allow larger groups of up to 50 for an additional fee. Please reach out to discuss your party needs!
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We offer:
Choice of (5) Signature holiday cocktails
Classic mixer cocktails (ex vodka soda)
Non-alcoholic mocktail options
Wine, beer, canned cocktails.
Coffee, hot tea, and spiced hot cider
Our bar is staffed and included in the event fee.
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Yes. Optional enhancements include:
Live music by a DAC musician for $350
Premium charcuterie board $300
Chef or tasting experiences through DAC’s culinary partners, like a custom charcuterie spread, sushi bar, oyster tasting, or a chef demo!
Your coordinator will walk you through add-on options.
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Hit the button below to submit an inquiry and we will confirm:
Confirm Available dates
Our team will coordinate the event of your dreams.
Rental Contract and invoice timeline will be sent.
Once confirmed, your event date is secured.
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Yes! You can bring your own food for the event but we have all of the drinks covered- including water!
Option #2 - Invest with A Donation
DAC’s 2025 fundraising goal of $125,000 ensures we enter 2026 with the stability needed to sustain and grow our artist workforce, youth programming, and community arts spaces. We have already raised $85,000—70% of our goal—and we are seeking to raise the final $40,000 by December 31.
With current pending grant requests and the Holiday Speakeasy program, we need roughly $15,000 in general donations from our donors to reach the finish line.
We are so close to finishing this year strong. Your gift today helps close the final gap and ensures DAC enters 2026 steady, supported, and ready to keep building a thriving creative community. Every contribution matters at this stage.
As a thank you, you’ll receive a handmade gift from our team (or programs!) — a reminder of the impact you helped make possible.
Make your gift and help us cross the finish line together.