A newly posted notice on its website, www.daytondirtcollective.com , stated that "all scheduled events have been cancelled and we are working to transfer some of our resources to other arts organizations in Dayton."
Launched with $7,000 in spring 2008, the collective included bands, concertgoers and self-starting promoters interested in providing a drug- and alcohol-free venue for new, young and underground bands that wouldn’t be dependent on bar proceeds.
It was modeled after other spaces in Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Director Jim Tarjeft, who took over four months ago after founder Nick Anderson stepped down, cited administrative demands and a lack of community support for the center’s alternative vision.
During the busiest months, a dozen or more events were held there.
Directing member Shelly Hulce said the center’s bills were paid and its obligations had been met, but the building’s limitations made it impractical to expand or improve there.
“We don’t see this as a failure. It’s been a success. We just think we can now accomplish more individually than we did as a collective. It’s been a great two-year run.”
Hulce, who has a background in improv comedy, has been working for several months with a class of Wright State University students studying comedy for class credit.
“The collective has been their starter stage for the past three months. Last night, Jan. 17, they graduated and appeared at Wiley’s Comedy Club for an audience including some professionals. Things like that make you feel good.”
The collective’s upcoming schedule included a teen girls’ health fair/dance, and a skateboarder film festival.
“I don’t think we need to cancel those events so much as find them a new home for them,” Hulce said.
“We set out to serve the disenfranchised. The Dirt has had an impact,” Darjeft said. “The only thing ceasing here is running a center. The energy is still there. That’s just going to be directed to other places, including C Space in downtown Dayton. The effort will continue.”
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