An Important First Step
A loud round of applause for funding that invests in the arts, culture, and creative sector in Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ recently proposed 2025-2027 biennial state budget. It’s an important first step.
The budget includes a funding increase that raises the per capita spending for the arts, culture, and creative sector from $0.18 to an estimated $0.68. If passed, this increase would move Wisconsin from 48th to 38th in per capita spending nationwide.
Another important highlight is funding to establish a Wisconsin Office of Film and Creative Industries and Film Tax Incentives to attract and compete for film projects produced in Wisconsin. Right now, we’re 1 of only 4 states without a film office and 1 of 13 that does not offer production incentives.
Imagine MKE board member and filmmaker Suzanne Jurva and I joined What’s on Tap with Sandy Maxx on 620WTMJ with perspective on why this funding is vital to our state economy and overall quality of life.
Learn more about the benefits of growing Wisconsin’s film industry from our partner Action! Wisconsin. See a full summary of sector priorities proposed in the state budget. Then take action below and help advocate for increased investment in our creative economy.
While including these items was an important first step, there is much work to be done over the next few months to advocate for this funding to remain in the state's final budget. Now, we need your help.
TAKE ACTION
Take action to:
Increase funding for Wisconsin’s arts and culture organizations!
Establish a Wisconsin Office of Film and Creative Industries and offer production incentives!
Fund a new Wisconsin Rural Creative Economy grant program!
Act now! Email your Wisconsin legislators to make the arts, culture, and creative sector a priority in the 2025-2027 state budget. Visit these links to easily generate and send emails to your lawmakers.
Create Wisconsin for an email that advocates for all three priorities.
Action! Wisconsin for an email that advocates for Wisconsin film and production.
Once you send your emails, please share these links with your networks.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Herzfeld Foundation Announces ARTS & CULTURE Grant Opportunities
The Milwaukee-based Herzfeld Foundation has launched a new fund to support small arts and cultural organizations and new arts and culture projects by providing general operating support to organizations with annual budgets under $750,000, as well as seed money to organizations launching new projects to enhance exposure to arts and culture in Milwaukee.
There is also an arts education funding initiative that will consider applications to support capacity-building, collaborative projects, and new educational strategies from organizations with past success in providing arts education to Milwaukee youth.
Additionally, a new arts awareness initiative is inviting applications from media organizations to support their efforts to enhance their journalistic coverage of the arts in Milwaukee.
Look for more information on all three of these opportunities and grant applications at the Herzfeld Foundation website. Applications are due April 18.
Enjoy a Cup of Coffee and Support Imagine MKE
We’re grateful to Fiddleheads Coffee for helping Imagine MKE support our local arts, culture, and creative industries. A portion of the proceeds from every bag you purchase of their Morning Blend coffee between now and March 31, will be donated to Imagine MKE. Available at Fiddleheads cafes and online.
Imagine MKE was also the featured non-profit on a recent segment of Coffee on Us with Fiddleheads series on TMJ4’s The Morning Blend. The series spotlights local nonprofits making a difference. Mention that you saw Imagine MKE on Coffee On Us at any Fiddleheads location and receive 10% off your order.
A “Miniature Symphony”
Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin, a statewide cable news channel, visited the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center to interview Executive Director Chad Tessmer and me about the need for a better balance between public and private funding of the arts, culture and creative sector. Watch the story and get a peek at the “miniature symphony” that emerges behind MYAC’s closed classroom doors.
Final Thoughts
In closing, I wanted to share that I met with Creative Arts Leaders of Milwaukee (C.A.L.M) for the first time. More than 35 leaders gather quarterly to discuss current issues, opportunities and share ideas to collaborate and strengthen the arts community. I'm genuinely inspired by their creativity, passion, and impact that extends through the entire city.
Let's spread the inspiration. Share this post with a colleague or friend and subscribe to our newsletter below to help us amplify the voice of the creative community.
Christine Hojnacki
Executive Director, Imagine MKE
