Wisconsin Arts Board prepares for Create Wisconsin Day on March 25

Create Wisconsin Day is set to take place on March 25, 2025, and discussions at the Wisconsin Arts Board ERC Meeting highlighted its significance for the state's arts community. The meeting emphasized the need for strategic planning to ensure the event's success, with members eager to engage in conversations about priorities and potential outcomes.

A key focus was the proposed increase in per capita funding for the arts, which would raise funding from 50 cents to 68 cents. While this increase is seen as a positive step, it still leaves Wisconsin trailing behind other Midwest states, with the state remaining just one cent below Iowa. The board underscored the importance of this funding, not just for the Arts Board itself, but for the broader creative community in Wisconsin.

The meeting also touched on several budget items related to the arts, including a match to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Bridal Creative Economy Initiative, and the reinstatement of film incentives alongside the establishment of a film and creative industries office. These initiatives are crucial for fostering economic growth and supporting local artists and filmmakers.

As the board prepares for Create Wisconsin Day, they plan to communicate the importance of these funding proposals to attendees, emphasizing the historic nature of the investment. The Arts Board has not seen a general funding increase since 1992, making this potential boost particularly significant.

In addition, the upcoming Legislative Days on March 19 will provide an opportunity for advocates to present a one-page summary to legislators, highlighting the economic impact of the arts in Door County and the importance of increased funding. The board is optimistic that these efforts will resonate with lawmakers and lead to tangible support for the arts in Wisconsin.