July 2026

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’s Democratic and Republican parties requesting gubernatorial candidates from their parties provide responses by May 31. We continued to follow up directly with campaign staffs to encourage survey participation.

We received responses from Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, David Crowley, Francesca Hong, Sara Rodriguez, and Kelda Roys and have shared those with creative networks in Wisconsin’s 72 counties. You can read the candidates’ responses here.

Meanwhile, a similar survey is underway with state legislative candidates, and we’ll share those responses August 3.

Imagine MKE does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office.

pEER-TO-pEER lEARNING: dIVERSIFYING rEVENUE

Last month, the topic of our quarterly Creative Arts Leaders of Milwaukee (CALM) network gathering was “Diversifying Revenue: Arts and Culture Leaders in Conversation.” Attendees explored strategies to build sustainable revenue models, balance earned and contributed income, and keep their work accessible and community centered.

During a panel discussion and table conversations, participants shared how organizations of different sizes and funding structures navigate risk, adapt to change, and plan for long-term sustainability. The session reinforced the value of peer-to-peer learning and candid conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.

Thank you to moderator Geraud Blanks of Culture X Design and featured speakers Joel Cencius, Arts @ Large, Jordan Lee, Radio Milwaukee, Jill Anna Ponasik, Milwaukee Opera Theatre and SMAC, and Sam Wolf, Mitchell Street Arts. You can watch a short highlight video of the session here.

Next month, Culture X Design is hosting a clinic, “Sponsor Ready: Building Presentations that Attract Funding Partners,” for creative entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders. Learn how to develop stronger pitch presentations for potential funding partners August 11, 6:30 PM at Fruition Café. Details here.

new Immersive Experience Celebrates Milwaukee Creativity

We're proud to be a partner of NEWaukee’s AFTERLIGHT, a free one-night celebration of creativity that will transform downtown Milwaukee into an immersive experience of light, music, art, and discovery.

Experience Milwaukee in a new way after dark Friday, August 21 starting at 6:30pm. Explore interactive installations, live performances, and unexpected moments along the Milwaukee Riverwalk. Learn more about this unique event.

match Challenge Through July 31

Just 10 more days to double your impact. Thanks to the generosity of the Lacey Sadoff Foundation, every donation to Imagine MKE will be matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000 through July 31. Every gift helps advance our work as a catalyst and champion for our region’s arts, culture, and creative industries. Donate here.

Make a gift today and receive donor benefits that include invites to exclusive arts experiences, early access to limited-edition merchandise designed by local artists, and automatic entry into our quarterly sweepstakes* for arts and culture offerings. 

Thank you for helping meet this match and joining us in imagining what’s possible when creativity is recognized as vital to a thriving region.

Christine Hojnacki

Executive Director, Imagine MKE

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