August 2025
- Imagine MKE
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
Lights! Camera! Action! Let's Go!
Wisconsin’s pending film office and production tax incentives are making national news, including the Hollywood Reporter, “Welcome to Hollywood: Wisconsin Joins Film Tax Credit Race." Closer to home, the Milwaukee Business Journal’s new culture and tourism reporter outlined what’s next in this story.
“Milwaukee — and Wisconsin — is now open for business to the film industry,” said State Senator Julian Bradley, the new legislation’s lead co-author and a driving force in its passage. Action! Wisconsin steering committee member Jeff Kurz added, “People are going to see a lot more activity around here now that filmmakers are encouraged to come." Imagine MKE is the umbrella organization for Action! Wisconsin.
Want to stay informed as things take shape? Sign up for updates and be part of the movement to build a stronger film industry in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, The Milwaukee Film Festival 2026 call for entries is open! If you'd like your film to be part of next year's festival, submit here on Film Freeway until January!
wISCONSIN ARTS BOARD FUNDING UPDATE
Despite strong advocacy statewide, from submitting hearing testimony to emailing legislators, the final 2025-2027 state budget did not include the Governor’s originally proposed base-budget increase for the Wisconsin Arts Board.
But there were some positive developments. The budget allocates $1,183,000 for WAB, including $34,300 in FY2026 and $79,400 in FY2027 in new funding to unlock a full 1:1 federal match from the NEA. In addition, WAB will receive new, one-time federal funding, to be matched by the state for two projects:
$25,000 for America’s 250th: Supporting arts and cultural projects in small and midsize communities to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
$75,000 for Arts and Health: Launching “social prescriptions” programs, where healthcare providers refer patients to creative arts experiences to support mental health and well-being.
As Create Wisconsin Director Anne Katz stated in her budget update, “This year’s hard work by advocates was impressive, but we are keenly aware that much remains to be done to secure sustained public investment in the arts, creativity, and cultural infrastructure—key to Wisconsin’s civic vitality and economic growth. Advocacy doesn’t stop when the budget is passed. It’s a daily effort. In this uncertain time, it's more important than ever that advocates stay involved and active.”
federal arts funding under threat
Nationally, federal arts agencies face devastating cuts that would create a ripple effect in every community across America including here in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. The proposed cuts would slash National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) funding from $207M to $135M—threatening federal-state partnerships that reach every congressional district.
When federal arts funding is cut, local arts programming, cultural institutions, and community partnerships feel the impact immediately. Arts and humanities funding isn’t just about culture—it’s about economic opportunity and thriving communities.
Make your voice heard. Take action: Visit the Americans for the Arts Action Center to email Congress urging them to restore NEA and NEH funding.
pLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Earlier this month Imagine MKE convened our second arts & culture strategic session. These sessions are aimed at two results -- increasing public funding for arts and culture in G
reater Milwaukee and fostering more coordinated philanthropy for broader community impact. The collaboration among the coalition of funders, business and civic leaders, and arts nonprofit board members has been remarkable in developing a shared vision and plan for sector sustainability.
This collective effort is vital to highlighting the essential role arts and culture play in enriching Milwaukee’s economy, social fabric, and quality of life. We are convening two more sessions in September, including a meeting with nonprofit executive directors. We will continue to update you on the progress and shared outcomes.
tmj4 news partnership
Our partnership with TMJ4 News continues to shine a spotlight on Milwaukee’s diverse arts and culture scene. Earlier this month, Milwaukee Tonight reported live from Black Arts MKE’s Youth and Family Night at Alice’s Garden Urban Farm. Watch the segments.
Other arts and culture organizations and events featured include Gallery 218, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary. View those segments here and here. Milwaukee Tonight also visited Washington Park Wednesdays. Watch the segments and view this month’s schedule. Also check out the story about The New State historical redevelopment project that will transform the old State Theater into a community music hub for youth, arts, and businesses.
Want to see your organization and creativity featured on TMJ4 News? Let us help by submitting your ideas at Imagine MKE’s website ImagineMKE.org and look for the TMJ4 Contact Form under our Media tab. Or click right here.
MY MONTH IN THE ARTS
This month, I had the pleasure of visiting with the Near West Side BID at Fruition MKE — a warm and welcoming café, co-working hub, and creative space within Concordia 27. More than a building, Concordia 27 is the result of over a decade of community collaboration and development, envisioned as a premier destination for living, working, and gathering in the Near West Side. I was inspired by how the vision for this space blends historic preservation with forward-thinking design, creating a vibrant hub where people come together to shape a thriving neighborhood.
I also attended the Florentine Opera’s Al Fresco performance featuring baritone Justin Austin, set in the stunning gardens of the historic Edwin J. Nieman Sr. House. This beautiful evening blended music, history, and community in perfect harmony. Milwaukee’s arts and cultural spaces never cease to amaze me. I’m grateful for every opportunity to experience the people and places that make our city so special.
Christine Hojnacki
Executive Director, Imagine MKE
