Gubernatorial & Legislative Candidates Survey With Wisconsin's August 11 primary election approaching, now is the time to learn where candidates stand on the issues that impact our creative community and economy. In addition to the Gubernatorial Candidate responses we shared last month, Imagine MKE and Create Wisconsin invited candidates for all 17 odd-numbered Wisconsin State Senate seats and all 99 Wisconsin State Assembly seats on the ballot to answer questions about the

Gubernatorial Candidates Survey As you prepare to vote in Wisconsin’s August 11 primary elections, it’s important to learn how candidates view and prioritize issues impacting the creative community and economy. That’s why Imagine MKE and Create Wisconsin partnered to survey all gubernatorial candidates about their vision for economic growth, arts, culture, and well-being for Wisconsin residents. In April, we sent a four-question survey to the executive directors of Wisconsin’

New Board Members We’re thrilled to welcome two new members to Imagine MKE’s Board of Directors: Ra Joy, Executive Director of the Bronzeville Center for the Arts, and Angela Damiani, CEO and Co-Founder of NEWaukee. Ra brings decades of experience in arts advocacy, public policy, and civic engagement. His distinguished career includes leadership roles at the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Alliance Illinois. “For our region to truly thrive, culture and the arts mus

Action Plan for Long-Term Success We are excited to share a press release we issued today announcing the initial action plan to support a stronger, more sustainable future for Milwaukee’s creative community. Shaped through months of collaboration with nearly 100 arts and culture leaders, funders, civic and business leaders, nonprofit board members, and community partners, these strategies represent the shared vision and priorities of a deeply engaged coalition. The action

Milwaukee Film Festival Lights, Camera, Action! The 18th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival runs today through April 30 and Imagine MKE is once again proud to serve as a Community Partner. The Milwaukee Film Festival is one of the Midwest’s largest film festivals, and one of Milwaukee’s most-beloved cultural events. The Festival spotlights bold new voices, acclaimed filmmakers, unique stories, and work made right here in Milwaukee that resonates far beyond the screen. As part o

Hosting the Governor and Celebrating Film Wisconsin Yesterday was an exciting day for Imagine MKE and Action! Wisconsin as we hosted Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers, and Film Wisconsin Director Veronica Pope to celebrate the launch of the state’s newly established film office and production incentives. We met at Milwaukee’s NŌ STUDIOS, where the state leaders toured Independent Studios and Duncan Entertainment and met with local film

Upcoming Funding & Artist Opportunities Arts and culture thrive when creativity is matched with the resources needed to turn vision into reality. A new year offers the start of many grant cycles and new opportunities. The Herzfeld Foundation has announced its latest round of grants to support small arts organizations, arts education, and arts awareness. Applications are due in early April. Meanwhile, application deadlines are coming up for several opportunities including C

Arts & Culture Top GMC Agenda This week I joined a panel of local arts and culture leaders for an important conversation with members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee about why the sector is vital to the growth and success of the region’s business and civic community. The meeting, held on stage at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, was one of the highest attended GMC meetings in recent years. The panel included moderator Rob Henken CEO of Herzfeld Foundation, Kevin Giglin