Arts Board readies messaging for Create Wisconsin Day as proposed budget adds per‑capita funding, NEA match and film incentives

Members of the Wisconsin Arts Board External Relations Committee discussed outreach for Create Wisconsin Day on March 25 and reviewed budget items in the governor’s proposal that would affect the Arts Board and the field if enacted.

The committee heard an overview of four arts-related items in the governor’s budget: a proposed per-capita funding increase (described in the meeting as a “50¢ increase up to 68”), a state match to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), a creative-economy initiative the meeting referred to as the “bridal creative economy initiative” and the reinstatement of film incentives alongside creation of a “film and creative industries office” at the Department of Tourism. George (staff member) summarized the items and cautioned that “there's a long way to go before any of this is real.”

Committee members discussed how to frame the message to legislators and the public during Create Wisconsin Day and at legislative meetings on March 19. Brian noted that a legislative steering committee will include a one-pager supporting the per-capita increase for distribution to legislators during Legislative Days, and that the quicker timing of BEA releases in mid‑March could produce updated economic numbers before Create Wisconsin Day.

George emphasized that the governor’s proposal would increase the Arts Board’s bottom-line appropriation for the first time in many years: “As we've been talking about it, the Arts Board has not received a general increase in the time that I've been here, which is since 1992.” He and other members reminded the committee that the board typically passes state funds through to grantees and that increases would be investments in the field rather than administrative spending.

The group agreed to prepare a two‑page then one‑page brief for legislators and to incorporate talking points that emphasize economic impact and an offer to connect legislators with arts organizations in their districts. Committee members also noted geographic examples (Door County) where data can illustrate local economic impact.

Planned follow-ups include finalizing a one‑pager for legislators to be distributed during Legislative Days (March 19), preparing remarks and updated data for Create Wisconsin Day (March 25), and continuing to monitor BEA figures and joint finance action as the budget process unfolds.