Wisconsin’s creative economy - time to speak up for investment in the arts and creative economy

By Anne Katz, Director, Create Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s vibrant arts scene and extensive creative opportunities throughout the state, offered by incredibly creative people and multitudes of community-based arts organizations, big and small, make us lucky to live in a state overflowing with such riches.

First and foremost, the arts are important because being creative makes us human; people have been expressing themselves creatively since the beginning of time, and the creative spirit that lives in all of us can’t be stopped.  And, there’s also economic power in the arts and creativity and the creative sector is a vital component of the Wisconsin economy.  Wisconsin’s creative sector contributed $11.9 billion (yes, that’s billion with a b) to the state’s economy in 2022 and employed over 89,000 workers – more workers than in the beer, biotech, and papermaking industries - according to the US Department of Commerce’s Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account (ACPSA).  In addition, Americans for the Arts and the Wisconsin Arts Board’s Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 research showed that the nonprofit sector provided $933.3 million in economic activity in 2022, including accommodations, food and beverage, recreation, retail shopping, even baby-sitters! 

It’s especially impressive that this creative magic and impact happens without never enough funding and resources.  Yes, we are appreciative of the many supportive individuals, corporations, and foundations contributing time and funds to make the arts happen statewide.  Private funding is critical to the health and well=being of the arts in Wisconsin.

But private and local funding alone can’t be expected to keep the system going.  What we don’t have in Wisconsin right now is sufficient state funding for arts and creative opportunities. Wisconsin is currently 49th out of 50 states in per capita funding of its state arts council, at $.18 per capita.   This is not the only state funding available for arts programs statewide - there’s funding available from the UW System, tech colleges, K-12 education, tourism and economic development agencies.  

However, the close-to-the-bottom per capita funding of the state arts agency - just over $1 million in a 50+ billion state budget, matched by an equal amount from the National Endowment for the Arts, to cover our seventy-two counties - affects creative sector growth and for some, adds to the reasons to choose another state to live and work.  Wisconsin's current minimal investment in creative economic development means we’re missing out on opportunities that could boost our local, regional and statewide economies and quality of life.

Investing in Wisconsin’s arts and cultural assets are more important than ever for many reasons, including the fact that other states continue to invest proactively into creative economic development.  By comparison, FY24 per capita arts agency spending in Minnesota is $9.62, while Illinois is spending $5.22.    Colorado’s and Kansas’ state creative industry development agencies focus on the arts and culture as essential to a healthy economy and quality of life.  

There’s every reason to be optimistic about the future of Wisconsin’s creative sector and public investment. Most importantly, the state is bursting with creative entrepreneurs, organizations, businesses, and communities, demonstrating economic and civic benefits. Create Wisconsin, as the state’s community cultural development organization, has been beating the economic and civic investment drum, with a galaxy of public and private partners, for a long time.   The Evers Administration has focused on expanding 21st century development and receptive to growing creative economy investment statewide. In a recent Milwaukee Business Journal article, the Governor was quoted as saying, ““A strong arts community not only enriches our communities and culture and helps us understand ourselves and each other better, but it also contributes positively to our economy, whether that’s ticket sales for shows and performances, the purchasing of local art and supporting small businesses, or bringing visitors from all over to our communities for exhibits and entertainment.  This will continue to be a priority to ensure Wisconsin’s art community and creative sector continues to grow and flourish.”  

Equally important is the fact that there are many supportive champions in the State Legislature, on both sides of the aisle, with a lot of opportunity to grow that support in this budget season.  The status quo CAN change.   

That’s where you come in.  The only way that status quo will change is if people who care about Wisconsin’s future - that’s you - take action.  The more people speak up and ask decision-makers to support the arts and creativity, the more the message will be heard. 

State budget season is around the corner.  Create Wisconsin’s 2025 Legislative Agenda calls for an increase in investment in Wisconsin’s arts and creative sector infrastructure, and access to the arts for all.  An investment of least $6 million annually in the Wisconsin Arts Board, to bring the state’s ranking to approximately $1 per capita, will grow arts and cultural opportunities for everyone, everywhere in the state.

NOW is the time to speak up.  What can you do?  Plenty!:

• Ask Governor Evers, Lt. Gov. Rodriguez, and your state legislators to make investment in the creative sector a priority in the state's 2025-2027 budget.   Use this template in Create Wisconsin's Legislative Action Center to send your message.  

• Contact 5 - or 10, 20, or any number - colleagues, family, and friends, and ask them to send a message too.  I’ll say it again - the more people heard from, the more the message will be heard.

• Create Wisconsin organizes advocacy updates and training, legislative meetings and testimony, templates for op-eds and constituent messages, and many other ways to make the case that investment in creativity is a win for Wisconsin.  Go to www.createwisconsin.org to learn more and get involved.

• Elections have consequences.  Make sure you are registered to vote (www.myvote.wi.gov) and get to the polls when elections roll around.   

Investment in the arts and creativity is a win for Wisconsin.  Let’s make sure our creative foundation is strong and opportunities abound for all.

Get in touch with Create Wisconsin at 608 255 8316 | info@createwisconsin.org with comments, questions, and ideas.