October 2026
The Wisconsin $2 For Arts Campaign
One week from tomorrow Wisconsin will elect a new governor. Also on the ballot are four other statewide officers and 116 legislative seats. That means new state leadership, a new legislative session, and a new budget cycle. It’s a huge opportunity for our arts and culture sector.
Together with Create Wisconsin, we’re ready to seize the moment with the launch of the Wisconsin $2 for Arts Campaign. This effort calls for a significant increase in state investment for Wisconsin Arts Board (WAB) funding to at least the national average of about $2 per resident in the 2027-2029 biennial budget.
For more than a decade, Wisconsin has been at or near bottom when it comes to state funding for the arts. We call on our new Governor and the incoming 108th Wisconsin Legislature to increase annual WAB funding from 20 cents to $2 per resident.
Our goal is to raise Wisconsin’s arts funding above the national average by increasing annual WAB funding from $1.1 million to $12 million. It’s a relatively small amount in the state’s $22 billion budget that could make a big difference for Wisconsin’s arts organizations and communities.
Join the more than 160 organizations across 60 Wisconsin communities that have signed on to the proposal and add your name and support here.
The $2 for Arts is an important first step in Imagine MKE’s long-term strategy to develop and advocate for policies that lead to transformational increases in public funding for Milwaukee, the region, and arts and cultural organizations statewide. Collective action is key. We’ll continue to provide updates on how you can share your voice to help show state and legislative leaders the value of our sector.
Candidates on Arts, Culture, & Economic Growth
If you haven’t yet cast your ballot, there’s still time to learn where candidates stand on issues that impact the creative sector, economy, and communities. As we’ve mentioned in past updates, Imagine MKE and Create Wisconsin invited all gubernatorial and legislative candidates to share their perspectives. Review their survey responses.
Imagine MKE is a nonpartisan organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office. Survey responses are shared as submitted to inform Wisconsin voters.
Advancing Creativity Across the Region
Earlier this month, Imagine MKE partnered with the Urban Economic Development Association and Sara Daleiden Consulting to convene 30 creative, business, and civic leaders for a regional conversation on how to strengthen Wisconsin’s creative industries. The session was part of an ongoing series of conversations statewide designed to spark collaboration and identify opportunities for growth.
We explored the momentum building across our region and Wisconsin, including Action! Wisconsin’s success in reviving Film Wisconsin and tax incentives and Imagine MKE’s efforts to increase public investment. We also heard from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation about the Wisconsin Creative Industries Community of Practice and its commitment to developing a statewide strategic plan to elevate and advance Wisconsin’s creative sector.
Making New Possible
Convene, coalesce, and serve as a connective force. That’s what we do at Imagine MKE and I recently joined NEWaukee’s Making New Possible podcast to share why. We explored how relationships and collective action matter to the future of arts and culture and how meaningful change starts with listening and building trust.
I also shared how arts advocacy is connected directly to economic development and how investing in the creative sector helps retain local talent, support job growth, and strengthen the broader Wisconsin economy.
Joy Grant Funding Opportunity Deadline
There’s just one more week to apply for Joy Engine’s 2027 Joy Grants. The deadline is next Monday, Nov. 2 and artists, students, government and community organizations, nonprofits and more, are invited to apply.
Joy Engine is looking for creative ideas that make people stop, look, participate, wonder, laugh, gather, and experience JOY in the community. They’re interested in the unexpected, experimental, playful, ambitious, and maybe-even-a-little-ridiculous. Learn more and apply here.
Speaking of play! It’s World Series game day. And a Monet painting is at stake.
Go Brew Crew!
Christine Hojnacki
Executive Director, Imagine MKE
