The end of an era as Art Conspiracy (ArtCon) will cease operations after almost 20 years
The famous ArtCon art auction was the event’s centerpiece. (Photo via Facebook) On Monday, the board of directors of Art Conspiracy (ArtCon), the Dallas-based nonprofit organization where artists and musicians “conspire” to raise funds for area programs and causes, announced its decision to cease operations.
The annual art auction and music event raised half a million dollars in its time since 2005. For its final act, ArtCon made a final donation of $6,000 to Foundation 45.
ArtCon would like to thank the Dallas arts community—particularly all the artists and volunteers who, over the years, have been a critical component to its success. “Before the pandemic, ArtCon was facing mounting pressures in the search for event spaces and navigating growing costs that were hindering our model, which was already challenged by its all-volunteer structure and role as a ‘pass-through’ organization that donates all the funds it raises,” Geoff Barry, president of the board said in Monday’s press release. “COVID-19 effectively ended our ability to evolve around these limitations, stopping us from not only putting on our signature annual fundraisers, but also from building a steady pipeline of volunteer leadership to execute them.
It saddens us to end this important work, and we’re proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the years—not just the money raised, but also the many connections made and collaborations that have been born from them, which live on.
