September 2025
- Imagine MKE
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Meeting the Moment
Public funding for arts and culture organizations remains at risk, including funding from Milwaukee County. Last week, the County’s Parks and Culture Committee Members voted to delay the release of Cultural, Artistic and Musical Programming Advisory Council (CAMPAC) funding budgeted for 2025.
We’re hopeful that funding will be provided by year end, but it’s also important to note it was a reduced investment -- $100,000 less -- from 2024. Learn more, including what happens next, in this Milwaukee Magazine story.
I attended the Committee meeting to testify and remind our government officials that our arts and culture organizations strengthen our local economy, drive revenue to local businesses, and generate tourism. In fact, Milwaukee’s nonprofit arts industry alone generated $334.6 million in economic activity, according to our research in partnership with Americans for the Arts.
When we attend arts and culture events, we’re spending more than just the ticket price. We gas up our cars or take public transportation. We might hire a babysitter. We dine out before or grab drinks after. Some of us book hotels. Our arts and culture dollars go beyond the cost of admission and concessions.
Further, there is strong public support for government funding for the arts, including a majority of Americans in favor local and state funding for nonprofit arts organizations and community-based arts programs, according to Americans for the Arts research.
Imagine MKE will continue to advocate for the region’s entire creative sector at all levels of government.
Driving Systemic Change
The CAMPAC issue is just the latest public funding challenge facing our local arts and culture organizations. As Milwaukee Magazine reported last month in an overview of Wisconsin’s current funding landscape, “Our arts and culture sector is desperate for every funding source available to sustain itself.”
It’s why Imagine MKE has taken the lead to develop actionable, results-focused solutions that drive systemic changes in how we support and invest in our creative sector. As we’ve mentioned in previous Updates, we’ve convened a series of strategic sessions with funders, business and civic leaders, and nonprofit board members.
This deeply engaged coalition understands the sense of urgency and is committed to meeting the moment. Our sessions, grounded in data, have been insightful and collaborative with innovative ideas and robust discussion. This month we will have our third session and will also be meeting with local arts and culture executive directors. We look forward to sharing our progress and plans in the coming months.
We are grateful to those of you that have made your voice heard and to our government officials for their ongoing consideration and willingness to explore critical issues that impact not just the arts and culture sector, but the region’s entire economic outlook.
Season Launches
It’s fall and that means the launch of a new season of performances, exhibitions, and other arts and culture events. You can make an immediate impact by buying tickets or, even better, a subscription or membership. Check out your favorite guides and calendar listings for more information.
As part of our partnership with TMJ4 News, the crew from Milwaukee Tonight recently visited The Haggerty Museum of Art to preview several of its upcoming exhibitions which highlight human journeys, adversity, and resilience. The crew also stopped by the Kim Storage Gallery’s “Stay the Course" exhibition on view through September 27, and Renaissance Theaterworks’ Twist and Toast fundraiser, which kicked off their 33rd season. The station also featured True Skool and the Milwaukee Esports Alliance this past month.
TMJ4’s Cassandra McShepard says, “The partnership between Imagine MKE and TMJ4 News is a wonderful opportunity to connect us with the arts and culture communities. The submissions have been great in connecting us with businesses and events off of our radar.”
Whether you’re announcing a new exhibit, organizing a community celebration, preparing for your upcoming season, or simply want to shine a light on your work, we encourage you to regularly use our TMJ4 Contact Form, available under the Media tab on our website to submit your story ideas. TMJ4 reviews every submission for possible media coverage and Imagine MKE may also highlight your news across our socials.
From artist spotlights to community performances and grassroots events, your submissions have helped showcase the depth and diversity of Milwaukee’s creative community. All of us at Imagine MKE look forward to visiting your stages, exhibitions, and other fall openings.
Christine Hojnacki
Executive Director, Imagine MKE
