MADISON – “Governor Tony Evers’ proposed historic investment in Wisconsin’s unique cultural and artistic assets will bolster state and local efforts to attract and retain talent, particularly young working age adults, as well as expanding access for all and improving the quality of life in communities across the state,” said Create Wisconsin Executive Director Anne Katz.

Governor Evers’ 2023-25 budget, introduced on February 15, would establish a $100 million Artistic Endowment Fund and increase funding for the Wisconsin Arts Board by $552,500 GPR over the biennium to maximize the drawdown of available federal funds and continue supporting individuals and organizations engaged in the arts. A Wisconsin Artistic Endowment Foundation would be created to manage the endowment fund. Interest earnings generated from these funds will be used to support arts and cultural programs, businesses, and opportunities throughout the state through both this foundation and the Wisconsin Arts Board.

Local leaders understand that investments in cultural and artistic assets will help their communities thrive, according to Katz. But Wisconsin has lagged in investment in its creative economy, especially among its Midwest neighbors, she said. Although the creative sector is a $9.6 million economic driver for Wisconsin, the state’s 0.14 cents per capita spending for arts and culture in 2022, was the lowest in the nation and far below Minnesota’s $7.34 per capita. Destination Iowa, established in 2022, is a $100 million investment to bolster the quality of life in Iowa’s communities and attract visitors and new residents to the state.  Investment in the Artistic Endowment Foundation recognizes Wisconsin’s bountiful creative assets and makes the state more competitive as a great place to live, work, and play.

Mal Montoya, Board Chair of Create Wisconsin and President of the Milwaukee Artists Resource Network, said that Create Wisconsin and constituents statewide look forward to working closely with Gov. Evers and state legislators as they deliberate the 2023-25 Biennial State Budget. He said that a state investment in the creative economy is urgently needed to grow and stabilize Wisconsin’s creative economy, workforce, and communities, and to ensure access to creative experiences for all Wisconsin residents. 

Create Wisconsin is the state’s community cultural development organization and the leading independent statewide organization advocating for a thriving Wisconsin where creativity is essential to the economy, workforce, and community life.  Create Wisconsin strengthens and expands Wisconsin’s creative environment and infrastructure through advocacy, promotion, service, and development, for opportunities and policies that benefit everyone, everywhere in the state.  Go to www.createwisconsin.org for more information.

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