DAYTON, OH.- As The Dayton Art Institute prepares to kick off its 47th annual Oktoberfest fundraiser, the museum has announced a Centennial Campaign to raise needed funding during the centennial of the museum’s founding in 2019.

The announcement was made by The DAI’s Director & CEO Michael R. Roediger during the Oktoberfest Lederhosen Lunch, which opens the museum’s three-day festival, taking place September 21–23.

“As The DAI prepares to celebrate the centennial of its founding in 2019, we are proud to announce a Centennial Campaign to raise funding for capital improvements and increased endowment funds,” Roediger said. “Our $27 million campaign, Caring for Our Treasures, Connecting with Our Community, Securing Our Future, is now in its public phase, and we invite our friends, partners, and supporters to invest in the future of your Dayton Art Institute.”

The goal of the $27 million campaign is to raise a total of $15 million for the endowment and $12 million for much-needed capital improvements to the historic museum building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the campaign’s initial quiet phase, The DAI raised 52% of its goal – nearly $14 million.

Thanks to community support from individuals, corporations, foundations and the State of Ohio Capital Appropriations Bill, a number of capital improvements have already been completed during the past few years. In addition, over the last five years, The DAI has paid off $16.5 million dollars in debt.

Completed projects include:

• The restrooms off the Great Hall and in the lower court have been renovated and are ADA (American Disabilities Act) Compliant.

• The museum exterior has been tuckpointed, cleaned and sealed.

• All the windows in the upper galleries have been replaced providing better climate control, better security and in some galleries letting in natural light.

• An ADA accessible pedestrian walkway on the museum grounds is completed and landscaped.

• The newly named Mimi & Stuart Rose Auditorium has been completely restored to its original beauty.

Planned projects include:

• All the collection galleries will either be refreshed or reinterpreted over the next two years.

• The Balcony will be restored and reopened.

• The front Historic Hillside will have a completed restoration of the Grand Staircases, fountains, lighting and landscaping.

“The mission of The Dayton Art Institute is to enrich lives and serve the community by creating meaningful experiences with art that are available to all,” Roediger said. “The Centennial Campaign will be an important part of ensuring The DAI can fulfill that mission over its next 100 years. Every gift is important. We invite you to be part of this monumental moment in Dayton’s history!”