Board assigns panel chairs, sets grant dates and introduces America250 option for Creative Communities

The Wisconsin Arts Board assigned panel chairs and firmed up dates for multiple grant review panels and program initiatives while adding a simple America250 checkbox to Creative Communities applications to route a portion of awards to anniversary‑themed projects.

Why it matters: Panel chairs and schedules determine who reviews grant applications and when awards will be recommended. The America250 option creates a designated funding stream for projects tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary and integrates that priority into existing Creative Communities applications rather than creating a separate award process.

Panel chair assignments and schedules: Staff asked for volunteers to chair the CMP (creation & presentation) music panel set for Nov. 18–19 (virtual). Susan (board member) volunteered to chair both days; staff and board members arranged backups for one of the days in case a single chair could not cover both. Staff asked panelists who sign up as alternates to hold the date as if they were primary chairs to avoid last‑minute substitutions.

Other panels and assignments discussed: - Woodlands Indian Arts program: staff noted panel dates in March (options included March 9–11) and said Karen Ann will chair; staff sought backups. - Creative Communities: John and staff reported that the program will include an America250 checkbox so applicants can identify projects tied to the America250 commemoration; the board set aside $50,000 to support America250 projects within the Creative Communities application rather than via a separate award form.

Program updates and timing: Karen (staff member) said music is the on‑year discipline for Creation & Presentation (largest single discipline pool) with an Oct. 9 application deadline and an Oct. 10 panel meeting to confirm panel membership and workload. Staff also reported that all 22 counties have been reached through the board’s 50th‑anniversary presenting program; some projects have already started and others will wrap up later in the year.

Next steps: Staff will publish panelist lists and confirm calendar invites; panel chairs and alternates were asked to block the dates. Staff will circulate updated guidelines for Creative Communities that include the America250 option and a short guidance note for…