May 2025
- Imagine MKE
- May 2
- 3 min read
Making Our Voices Heard
Last month the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee held four public hearings on the proposed 2025-2027 biennial state budget. Action! Wisconsin steering committee member and filmmaker, Suzanne Jurva, Create Wisconsin Executive Director Anne Katz, and I were among the first in line for the West Allis hearing. We joined dozens of other champions for arts, culture, and film/TV production to testify why lawmakers should pass a final budget that:
Establishes a Wisconsin film office and film production incentives.
Increases funding for Wisconsin’s arts and culture organizations.
Funds a new Wisconsin Rural Creative Economy grant program.
Action! Wisconsin coalition members also testified at hearings in Kaukauna, Wausau and Hayward. Watch these passionate advocates in action on Action! Wisconsin Instagram.
Our voices are being heard and bi-partisan support for legislation and a state budget that invests in Wisconsin’s film and television industry is growing. State Senate and Assembly companion bills were introduced this week that create income and franchise tax credits for film production companies and a State Film Office. These bills are co-sponsored by legislators from both parties.
Now, lawmakers need to hear from you, the constituents. Visit Create Wisconsin and Action! Wisconsin to easily generate and send emails directly to your legislators.
An Economic Case For The Arts
I joined Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts, on WUWM’s Lake Effect to highlight a truth we need to keep repeating: the arts aren’t just amenities—they’re economic engines. Arts and culture organizations in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin support jobs, generate government revenue, and bring vibrancy to our communities.
As Randy said, “When you are going to see a show, you're not just buying the ticket to the show, you are also going to dinner or having a drink, you're getting transportation, you're maybe hiring a babysitter. You're going out after you're contributing to the economy financially.” That one cultural experience ripples across the economy, benefiting small businesses, employees, and entire neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, Suzanne Jurva was interviewed by Fox 6 News. She emphasized that without a state film office and production incentives, Wisconsin is missing out on significant economic benefits. She noted with the right infrastructure and incentives in place, Wisconsin could attract more major productions, which generate jobs, local spending, and long-term visibility that boosts tourism and economic growth well beyond the production window. For example, the filming of Top Chef brought millions of dollars to Wisconsin, and Milwaukee saw a spike in hotel bookings six months after the season premier.
That’s why Imagine MKE is urging the state legislature to invest in our creative economy. Our collective voice can help ensure a stronger, more vibrant Wisconsin. Learn more about our efforts and how you can help at Imagine MKE: Advocacy.
Partnering with tmj4 to amplify arts & culture
Our new partnership with TMJ4 News to increase coverage of Milwaukee’s arts and culture organizations, venues, talent, and work is off to a great start. Through our collaboration, the creative community can share story ideas – from exhibits, theatrical premieres, and live music performances to hidden gems, emerging artists, and grassroots cultural happenings – directly at Imagine MKE’s website.
That’s what Black Cat Alley did and as a result, their new After Dark event was featured live during two segments on Milwaukee Tonight last week. Watch them here and here. Black Cat’s story submission was just one of several dozen already received and under consideration.
What’s especially exciting is the number of newer and smaller organizations and individual creatives that have submitted. We’re excited to widen the lens on Milwaukee’s diverse and deep creative community and can’t wait to see your stories on TMJ4. Email info@ImagineMKE.org if you have any questions about this or any of our efforts.
Christine Hojnacki
Executive Director, Imagine MKE
