The Dayton Dirt Collective, a non-profit performance space, announced on Monday that it was closing after 2 years.
The Dayton Dirt Collective was more than just an all-ages concert venue. It was run by a group of members many of whom are artists and peformers themselves. The space located on Third Street in downtown Dayton played host to a variety of events from record swaps to yoga workshops. It attracted the attention of underground punk and folk musicians from around the country. More recently, the stage served as a training ground for a group of young comedians from Wright State University.
Dirt Collective members decided to cease operations after looking at the costs and limitations associated with the current venue. Key member Shelly Hulce says that it was important to handle the closing responsibly.
She says, "We didn't leave unpaid bills, and we kept all of our obligations to the community and to one another and to our intial donors."
Hulce says members of the collective will continue to work in the local arts community and with other venues.
"This was just a good time to let go while we still have energy and passion and excitement to start some other things," says Hulce.