September 2026
We Exceeded Our Match Challenge!
Because of your support, we exceeded the $10,000 Lacey Sadoff Foundation Match Challenge, raising an additional $11,000! Overall, that’s more than $20,000 you donated this summer.
Thank you for fueling Imagine MKE’s mission and efforts to be a catalyst and champion for Milwaukee’s arts, culture, and creative industries. The success of this Match Challenge reflects a shared understanding of the vital role the arts, culture, and creative sector play in the region’s overall economic and social well-being.
The Match Challenge may have ended but the need continues. Check out our ongoing donor benefits and donate* to enter our next quarterly sweepstakes drawing on October 1 for a chance to win two tickets to the Pabst Mansion’s Illuminating the Dark tour.
*See official sweepstakes rules here. No donation is required to enter or win.
Moving Our Action PLan Forward
Since announcing our three-part action plan to position Milwaukee’s arts and culture sector for long-term success, Imagine MKE has formed workgroups that include arts and culture leaders, funders, civic and business partners, and other experts.
These workgroups have started to meet, turning priorities into action and plotting change we know is possible. Watch for advocacy updates as we continue to build and expand statewide support for increased investment in the arts.
Celebrating Milwaukee at Afterlight
Imagine MKE was proud to serve as a community partner for NEWaukee’s inaugural AFTERLIGHT, a celebration that brought Milwaukee’s Riverwalk to life with art, music, performance, local businesses, and unexpected experiences.
More than 40 local artists were showcased throughout the event, transforming downtown Milwaukee into a magical experience for thousands of attendees. From a horse in Chase Bank Plaza to a DJ-fueled dance party tucked into an alleyway, AFTERLIGHT overflowed with creativity.
We’re grateful to NEWaukee for bringing this event to life and demonstrating what can happen when we create more opportunities for Milwaukee’s creative community to be seen, connected, and celebrated.
New Investment in Wisconsin Filmmaking
Wisconsin’s new film office, Film Wisconsin, has announced its first film tax credit awards which invest more than $1 million in six Wisconsin productions. Read the full announcement here.
This milestone means new opportunities for the Wisconsin creatives who bring productions to life and demonstrates how investment in the creative sector can support jobs, businesses, and communities across Wisconsin.
Imagine MKE and Action! Wisconsin are proud to have led the advocacy effort that established the new film office and production incentives program. We’ll continue to work closely with Film Wisconsin to support the success of this new investment and help build a stronger creative workforce here in Wisconsin.
Legislative Candidates on Arts, Culture & Economic Growth
With Wisconsin’s November 3 General Election less than two months away, we encourage you to learn where candidates for the Wisconsin State Legislature stand on issues that impact our creative sector, economy, and communities.
Earlier this year, Imagine MKE and Create Wisconsin invited candidates for all 17 odd-numbered State Senate seats and all 99 State Assembly seats to share their perspectives. Since then, we’ve received 71 responses from across the state. Read more about where candidates stand on issues important to Wisconsin’s creative community.
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.
Artist Opportunity: Mary L. Nohl Fellowship
Applications are open for The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Mary L. Nohl Fund Fellowships for Individual Artists, which provides unrestricted funding for local artists to create new work or complete work already in progress.
Administered by Lynden Sculpture Garden, the program will award five fellowships in 2027, including two Established Artist awards of $20,000 and three Emerging Artist awards of $10,000. Each fellow will also receive an additional $5,000 professional development and production budget, along with opportunities for professional development and participation in a 2028 exhibition at the Haggerty Museum of Art. Review the guidelines and apply here by October 8.
One hundred and thirty-six fellowships have been awarded since this program began in 2003—a powerful reminder of what sustained investment in artists can make possible. As we celebrate that legacy and the momentum we’re feeling throughout the community, thank you for joining us in building a bright and thriving creative future for Milwaukee.
Christine Hojnacki
Executive Director, Imagine MKE
