Wisconsin Arts Board: cultural-bearer projects generally acceptable; avoid misappropriation when framing reenactment

Wisconsin Arts Board staff told auditioning applicants that the agency does not categorically rule out projects described as "reenactment," but panelists will evaluate proposals for possible cultural appropriation and for whether participants are authentic culture bearers.

"I don't remember anything that says that we don't fund reenactments," a board staff member said during the virtual session, adding that the distinction often comes down to whether practitioners are culture bearers and whether the project is carrying on living traditions rather than staging past practices in ways that could appropriate another culture.

Staff and applicants discussed a specific example: storytellers and Sami artists. The board said it welcomes applications that involve culture bearers continuing traditions, and recommended applicants clearly describe how invited artists are legitimate representatives of the tradition and why the project would not constitute appropriation.

Panelists advised applicants to frame projects to emphasize cultural stewardship and continuity. Where projects could appear to be reenactment of another group's history, staff recommended clarifying the relationship between artists and the communities whose practices are presented so the panel can assess cultural authenticity and ethical sourcing.

Applicants were told to consult the board's website language about folk and traditional arts and to use the application support materials to provide context or documentation that demonstrates respectful community relationships.