Board staff highlight outreach: state fair, newsletter, spotlight series and a Door County social prescription pilot

At the July meeting of the Wisconsin Arts Board External Relations Committee, staff reviewed outreach work including a planned presence at the state fair on July 31, a new "Spotlighting Wisconsin" social series, refreshed email newsletters, and a pilot social prescription program in Door County.

Vivian, a staff member, asked committee members to share events where the board should have a presence and described recent communications work: a Creative Copy newsletter, a purple-featured box on the board website for signup links, and updated visuals for social media. She also invited nominations for organizations to feature in the new Spotlighting Wisconsin series.

A board member reported a partnership with Door County Medical Center and Peninsula Players for a pilot social prescription program and said the first referred attendee was scheduled to begin the week after the meeting. The committee discussed the pilot as an example of arts-health collaboration and agreed to watch for results. Vivian said staff will bring materials (including one-pagers and promotional boxes) to the state fair on July 31 and encouraged members to meet staff there.

Members also noted numerous local events and art fairs around the state where board visibility supports storytelling and constituent outreach. Staff asked members to share events and to contact the committee about opportunities for in-person or virtual participation. No formal action was taken during this agenda item.