DAYTON, OH.- The Dayton Art Institute announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, made possible through support from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program for Arts and Culture. The new website creates a more engaging, accessible and user-friendly online experience, making it easier for visitors, members, donors and the community to discover exhibitions, explore collections, purchase tickets, register for programs and connect with the museum in a digital space.

Recognizing that digital innovation is essential for cultural organizations to better serve their communities, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program provides funding and strategic support to help nonprofit arts organizations strengthen their technology infrastructure, develop sustainable digital practices and create more meaningful connections with audiences. Since launching the program in 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies has supported more than 100 cultural organizations across the United States and United Kingdom. The DAI joined the initiative in 2024.

Through the program, the DAI has transformed its website into a digital front door for the museum, creating new opportunities to reach broader audiences, share the stories behind the collection and inspire deeper engagement with art and learning. The initiative supports the DAI’s Strategic Plan driver of Community Connections by creating a more intuitive and accessible online experience for visitors, members and supporters.

“With support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, we are investing in the future of how audiences discover and experience the Dayton Art Institute,” said DAI Interim Director & President Mark Shaker. “This new website allows us to better connect with our community, expand access to our resources and create more opportunities for people to engage with the museum both online and in person.”





The redesigned website was created in partnership with FORM Group, a digital-first marketing agency specializing in arts, culture and nonprofit organizations. FORM Group helps mission-driven organizations thrive and connect with their audiences through integrated web design, digital marketing, branding and digital experiences. Together, the teams developed a more intuitive, engaging digital experience for all DAI website visitors.

In addition to the website redesign, the DAI created Beyond the Frame, a 12-part video storytelling series designed to introduce audiences to the museum’s collection through personal stories and unique perspectives from community leaders.

Created in collaboration with Knack Video + Photo, Beyond the Frame explores art through the eyes of 12 local leaders from diverse backgrounds. Each participant selected an artwork from the DAI’s collection that resonated with their own lived experiences and shared the personal meaning behind their choice. Through these conversations, the series reveals new connections between art, identity and the many voices that shape the DAI and the community it serves.

Knack Video + Photo is a creative agency specializing in video production, photography, strategy and marketing. The Beyond the Frame series will be featured on the new website and shared across the DAI’s digital channels to encourage audiences to explore the museum’s collection, discover new stories and plan future visits.

“The Dayton Art Institute is more than an impressive art collection; it is a place where stories, experiences and perspectives come together,” Shaker said. “Beyond the Frame allows us to highlight the meaningful connections people have with art, invite more members of our community to see themselves reflected in the museum and inspire new generations to create lasting memories of their own at the Dayton Art Institute."

The DAI worked with Dave Ebert, Experience Consultant for Lapine Group, throughout the website development process. Lapine Group is a women-owned management consulting firm leveraging customer-centered strategy, design and technology to develop solutions for organizations across industries, including financial services, travel, entertainment, nonprofit and consumer products.

The new website builds upon the DAI’s ongoing commitment to digital accessibility and engagement, including participation in the Bloomberg Connects app, a free arts and culture app with expert curated video and audio guides to more than 1500 cultural organizations. The Dayton Art Institute’s guide launched on the Bloomberg Connects app in 2023. The free guide allows users around the world to explore museum highlights, self-guided tours, educational experiences and collection information from their own mobile devices. Accessibility features include multilingual translation, screen-reader compatibility, enlarged text options, image descriptions and audio experiences.

Together, these digital investments support the museum's mission to create exceptional art experiences for all while providing more opportunities for audiences to connect with the museum wherever they are: online, in the community and within the galleries.