DAYTON (May 31, 2023) – The Contemporary Dayton (The Co) and Scripted in Black, a multi-disciplinary creative collective and leading advocate for promoting Black and Brown artists, are thrilled to announce a partnership for the upcoming summer edition of First Fridays downtown beginning on June 2, 2023 from 7 – 10 p.m. in The Co galleries. This collaboration between the two organizations aim to enhance community engagement, foster artistic collaboration, and increase art accessibility for all individuals.

First Fridays at The Co have long been celebrated as an occasion to immerse oneself in the captivating world of creative and performing arts, completely free of charge. With a commitment to showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of the local arts scene, First Fridays have become an integral part of Dayton’s cultural landscape.

The summer series of First Fridays, which will be held on June 2, July 7, and August 4, promise an unforgettable experience for attendees and requires no registration or admission fees, ensuring that art appreciation remains accessible to all.

As part of this exciting collaboration, guests will have the opportunity to witness captivating exhibitions and enjoy a glimpse into the rich creative scene of Dayton’s Black and Brown communities. Leroy Bean, a remarkable spoken word artist, and Amanda Mikkel, a talented vocalist, will be gracing the stage in June, offering soul- stirring performances that exemplify the depth and diversity of artistic expression.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Scripted in Black for this special edition of First Fridays,” said Eva Buttacavolli, Executive Director of The Contemporary Dayton. “This partnership not only allows us to celebrate the incredible talents of Leroy Bean and Amanda Mikkel, but also deepens our commitment to fostering community engagement and increasing access to the arts for everyone.”

Scripted in Black’s Founder and Creative Director, Dana Graham, added, “At Scripted in Black, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration and the transformative nature of the arts. Teaming up with The Contemporary Dayton for First Fridays provides us with an incredible platform to showcase the immense creativity that exists within Dayton’s Black and Brown communities. We are excited to bring a taste of our vibrant artistic scene to a wider audience.”

Join The Co and Scripted in Black on June 2 from 7 – 10 p.m. at The, located at 25 W 4th Street, for an evening that promises to ignite your senses and leave you inspired. For more information about First Fridays and upcoming events and free public programs at The Co, please visit codayton.org/public-programs.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS AT THE CONTEMPORARY DAYTON

On View / April 14 – July 2, 2023

Spotlight tours available upon request with Curator, Michael Goodson, and Curatorial Assistant, Cydnie King

ARTURO HERRARA / Between
The Contemporary Dayton presents Between, recent work and a site-specific double wall mural by globally renowned Venezuelan artist Arturo Herrera. Melding abstraction, collage and pop culture imagery, Herrera has produced an innovative vocabulary using modernist strategies of fragmentation, re-composition and repetition.

TYLER MACKO / A voice from I don’t know where
The Contemporary Dayton is pleased to present A voice from I don’t know where, new paintings by nationally acclaimed Dayton-based artist Tyler Macko, which address the idea of a crumbling Americana at the nexus of domesticity, consumption, comfort, memory and loss.

KEVIN JEROME EVERSON / films
The Contemporary Dayton is honored to present a selection of films by Mansfield, Ohio-born, and internationally acclaimed artist Kevin Jerome Everson. Directing his lens at the lives of Black Americans, he creates poetic narratives of family, work, struggle, and celebration.

GALLERY & CoSHOP HOURS

Wednesday–Saturday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Closed Monday and Tuesday

Summer First Fridays at The Co featuring Scripted in Black, Jun 2, Jul 7, Aug 4

ALWAYS FREE

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ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY DAYTON

Mission: To provide art for the community and a community for artists.

Overview: The Contemporary Dayton (The Co) is the region’s contemporary art center. Established in 1991 as The Dayton Visual Arts Center, a 501c3, The Co produces and presents original exhibitions and educational programs, events, community partnerships, and artist opportunities. Exhibitions and education programs feature the most exciting and meaningful work of our time created by artists living and working today, with an emphasis on the artists of Ohio, women artists, and artists of color.

ABOUT SCRIPTED IN BLACK

Mission: To create spaces for Black and Brown identities to thrive.

Overview: Scripted in Black (SIB) is an exclusive multi-disciplinary arts collective that centers the work and collaboration of Black and Brown unconventional creatives to provide feel good experiences for High-vibe Black and Brown communities, especially millennial identities, through diverse yearly installments. Currently based in Dayton, Ohio.

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