Forte Theater announces new executive director and ongoing community involvement in Milwaukee

The Wisconsin Arts Board held a grant panel meeting on April 7, 2025, to discuss the applications for the FY25 "New Applicant" grant. A significant focus of the meeting was on the performance and impact of local arts organizations, particularly one that has recently undergone leadership changes.

The organization in question has appointed a new executive director and has a structured team that includes paid staff and an artistic director. The founder retains a voting position on the board, which was noted as a positive aspect of their governance. However, the organization reported a deficit in 2022, prompting discussions about their financial health and community engagement.

Panel members praised the organization for its outreach, highlighting its involvement with approximately 3,000 adults and 1,700 youth across 12 schools. They noted the successful integration of families and students into their productions, which fosters a sense of community. The organization operates from a facility within the Franklin Public School District and aims to expand its adult programming while navigating the complexities of its partnership with local schools.

While the panel acknowledged the organization's solid strategic planning and community impact, they expressed a desire for more detailed information regarding the demographics of the artists involved, specifically the number of paid adult artists versus youth participants. Additionally, there were questions about the key performance indicators the organization tracks and how they are managing their relationship with the Franklin schools as they seek a new venue.

The meeting concluded with a call for further clarity on unresolved issues mentioned in the organization's narrative, particularly regarding past adult productions and their current status. Overall, the panel recognized the organization's contributions to the arts in suburban Milwaukee while encouraging them to address specific areas for improvement and transparency in their operations.