For more than a decade, Wisconsin has been the worst state in the country for public support of the arts. For Wisconsin to continue to be a cultural hub, this needs to change. Which is why, together with arts organizations statewide, we have joined Wisconsin’s Creative Economy Coalition. This organization is aimed at advocating for generational funding for Wisconsin’s arts and creative industries – theatres, museums, venues, performing and visual arts alike – to drive Wisconsin’s economy forward.
The coalition is calling on lawmakers to finish the work a bipartisan legislature and Republican governor started over 20 years ago. Governor Evers has proposed a one-time $100 million investment to the Wisconsin Artistic Endowment Fund to further strengthen and grow ALL non-profit arts organizations in our state. As Wisconsin currently ranks 50th out of fifty states in terms of public arts funding, this investment will positively change the artistic landscape for generations to come.
Wisconsin has developed many of the nation’s leading cultural institutions that are truly transforming the communities where they exist. Milwaukee Rep alone serves 20,000 students annually through education programs, in the classroom and outside of it. But the future for these organizations continues to be fragile as private funding alone cannot keep up with rising costs. Image the impact across all of Wisconsin if programs were able to reach more students, provide more resources and have a long lasting effect.
If we want all of Wisconsin’s creative hubs to be vibrant and here for future generations, investment needs to be made now before arts sector talent leaves our state.
The budget process in Madison is underway, and our leaders need to hear from us NOW. Knowing how pivotal the arts are to the vitality of our communities – growing the economy, creating jobs, and boosting well-being – we hope that you will join us in this effort and take action today.
We are trying to drive thousands of messages to our elected representatives statewide.
Make Your Voice Heard – Take Action Today.
We look forward to working with you to secure this necessary funding to support our vibrant arts community and fuel economic growth in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement 