Join Create Wisconsin for an post-election and pre-budget season update and conversation. Learn about Create Wisconsin's Legislative Agenda, info about new and returning legislators, and advocacy strategies and actions for the upcoming budget season to grow investment in Wisconsin's creative assets. Register here: https://forms.gle/aVK7ZHucqZ31dgpw9.

Join the Urban Economic Development Association of Milwaukee and partners for an "Emerging Topics in Economic Development" session on the power and impact of the creative sector in and for Wisconsin!

Along with partners Washington Park Media Center, Create Wisconsin, Rural Urban FLOW, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., UEDA will showcase efforts to create a roadmap that supports Wisconsin's Creative Industries.

Learn from a diverse group of people about the current landscape, rural-urban connections, and how to support and grow creative businesses into 2025 and beyond.

This event will be live streamed. Register to receive the link before the day of the event. https://tinyurl.com/3zznv3ud

Give generously on Giving Tuesday and any day!

As Wisconsin’s leading (and only) independent community cultural development organization, Create Wisconsin is a catalyst and coalition activating and strengthening Wisconsin as a creative powerhouse locally and globally.  

Go to www.mightycause.com/story/CreateWis to learn more and support Create Wisconsin!

Advocacy for the Creative Economy: 
Creative Conversations about growing Wisconsin creatively Fall - Winter 2024
Zoom link: www.zoom.us/j/4601378823

These are interesting and opportune times, and now is the time to take action!  Join Create Wisconsin and local host organizations around the state for a pre-state budget season conversation about advocacy and action, the issues and opportunities ahead, and ways to get involved.

Anne Katz, Director of Create Wisconsin, the state's community cultural development organization, will facilitate the conversation and discuss Create Wisconsin’s 2024-2025 Action Agenda, how to tell your compelling story to decision makers, and tips and guidelines to be an informed, effective advocate.   With your partnership in this effort, we have a real chance for success this year.

The 2025-2027 state budget season is approaching.   As the state's creative sector advocacy and service organization, Create Wisconsin is already working hard to connect constituents with legislators and members of the Evers Administration, with a robust advocacy agenda that includes a proposal to increase funding to the Wisconsin Arts Board.  Wisconsin can and must do better to invest in an industry that strengthens the economy, quality of life, and livable, accessible communities. 

Please join us and local hosts throughout the state for a series of workshops on the issues, advocacy, and ways to take action.   

Each workshop will feature general advocacy info and info specific to the local host(s) region.  All are welcome to attend any of the sessions.

Dates/local hosts so far (schedule will be updated as sessions are scheduled:

• Monday, September 9, 7-8 pm | local host:  SAGE, Green Bay

• Tuesday, September 10, 10-11 am | local host:  SAGE, Green Bay

• Tuesday, September 24, 7-8 pm | local hosts in the Northwoods: Three Lakes Center for the Arts; Land o' Lakes Arts; Dillman's Bay Resort Art Workshops, Lac du Flambeau; Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua; Eagle River Revitalization Program; ArtStart Rhinelander

• Wednesday, September 25, 10-11 am | local hosts in the Northwoods:  Three Lakes Center for the Arts; Land o' Lakes Arts; Dillman's Bay Resort Art Workshops, Lac du Flambeau; Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua; Eagle River Revitalization Program; ArtStart Rhinelander

The workshop features:

• What we mean by the "creative economy", including data and research

• Why the creative economy is THE clear direction for Wisconsin’s future

• Issues, trends, opportunities ahead

• Create Wisconsin’s 2025-2027 Legislative Agenda and advocacy actions in the upcoming budget season

Each workshop will feature general advocacy info and info specific to the communities hosting, but all are welcome to attend any workshop. A Zoom link and other info will be sent to you the day before the meeting.   

Questions?  Contact Anne Katz at Create Wisconsin | akatz@createwisconsin.org. 

Context for the discussion:

After Election Day on November 5, the new Legislature will begin its work in early January, and Gov.  Evers will introduce his FY2025-2027 budget  in February.  Create Wisconsin Day is April 1, 2025, at the Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison.  The budget season will continue until the end of June; the Governor will sign the budget by 6-30-25.   

Wisconsin’s overall creative sector contributed $11.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2022 and employed over 89,000 workers – that's more jobs than in the beer, biotech, and papermaking industries.  [US Bureau of Economic Advisors/National Endowment for the Arts]. 35 key arts and culture industries were responsible for $1.1 billion of the total value added and 5,176 workers. 

And, according to the recent Arts and Economic VI Prosperity report from Americans for the Arts and the Wisconsin Arts Board, Wisconsin’s nonprofit arts sector generated $933.3 MILLION in economic activity in 2022: 

• $437.1 MILLION spent by arts and culture organizations

• $496.2 MILLION in event-related expenditures by audiences, such as accommodations, food and beverage, recreation and retail shopping.

Despite these impressive numbers, in FY24, the Wisconsin Arts Board was appropriated $1,078,000 through the state budget process, or 0.18 cents per capita.  By comparison, FY24 per capita spending in Minnesota is $9.62 and Illinois is spending $5.22.  Yes, we can and must do better.

Advocacy for the Creative Economy: 
Creative Conversations about growing Wisconsin creatively Fall - Winter 2024
Zoom link: www.zoom.us/j/4601378823

These are interesting and opportune times, and now is the time to take action!  Join Create Wisconsin and local host organizations around the state for a pre-state budget season conversation about advocacy and action, the issues and opportunities ahead, and ways to get involved.

Anne Katz, Director of Create Wisconsin, the state's community cultural development organization, will facilitate the conversation and discuss Create Wisconsin’s 2024-2025 Action Agenda, how to tell your compelling story to decision makers, and tips and guidelines to be an informed, effective advocate.   With your partnership in this effort, we have a real chance for success this year.

The 2025-2027 state budget season is approaching.   As the state's creative sector advocacy and service organization, Create Wisconsin is already working hard to connect constituents with legislators and members of the Evers Administration, with a robust advocacy agenda that includes a proposal to increase funding to the Wisconsin Arts Board.  Wisconsin can and must do better to invest in an industry that strengthens the economy, quality of life, and livable, accessible communities. 

Please join us and local hosts throughout the state for a series of workshops on the issues, advocacy, and ways to take action.   

Each workshop will feature general advocacy info and info specific to the local host(s) region.  All are welcome to attend any of the sessions.

Dates/local hosts so far (schedule will be updated as sessions are scheduled:

• Monday, September 9, 7-8 pm | local host:  SAGE, Green Bay

• Tuesday, September 10, 10-11 am | local host:  SAGE, Green Bay

• Tuesday, September 24, 7-8 pm | local hosts in the Northwoods: Three Lakes Center for the Arts; Land o' Lakes Arts; Dillman's Bay Resort Art Workshops, Lac du Flambeau; Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua; Eagle River Revitalization Program; ArtStart Rhinelander

• Wednesday, September 25, 10-11 am | local hosts in the Northwoods:  Three Lakes Center for the Arts; Land o' Lakes Arts; Dillman's Bay Resort Art Workshops, Lac du Flambeau; Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua; Eagle River Revitalization Program; ArtStart Rhinelander

The workshop features:

• What we mean by the "creative economy", including data and research

• Why the creative economy is THE clear direction for Wisconsin’s future

• Issues, trends, opportunities ahead

• Create Wisconsin’s 2025-2027 Legislative Agenda and advocacy actions in the upcoming budget season

Each workshop will feature general advocacy info and info specific to the communities hosting, but all are welcome to attend any workshop. A Zoom link and other info will be sent to you the day before the meeting.   

Questions?  Contact Anne Katz at Create Wisconsin | akatz@createwisconsin.org. 

Context for the discussion:

After Election Day on November 5, the new Legislature will begin its work in early January, and Gov.  Evers will introduce his FY2025-2027 budget  in February.  Create Wisconsin Day is April 1, 2025, at the Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison.  The budget season will continue until the end of June; the Governor will sign the budget by 6-30-25.   

Wisconsin’s overall creative sector contributed $11.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2022 and employed over 89,000 workers – that's more jobs than in the beer, biotech, and papermaking industries.  [US Bureau of Economic Advisors/National Endowment for the Arts]. 35 key arts and culture industries were responsible for $1.1 billion of the total value added and 5,176 workers. 

And, according to the recent Arts and Economic VI Prosperity report from Americans for the Arts and the Wisconsin Arts Board, Wisconsin’s nonprofit arts sector generated $933.3 MILLION in economic activity in 2022: 

• $437.1 MILLION spent by arts and culture organizations

• $496.2 MILLION in event-related expenditures by audiences, such as accommodations, food and beverage, recreation and retail shopping.

Despite these impressive numbers, in FY24, the Wisconsin Arts Board was appropriated $1,078,000 through the state budget process, or 0.18 cents per capita.  By comparison, FY24 per capita spending in Minnesota is $9.62 and Illinois is spending $5.22.  Yes, we can and must do better.

Advocacy for the Creative Economy: 
Creative Conversations about growing Wisconsin creatively Fall - Winter 2024
Zoom link: www.zoom.us/j/4601378823

These are interesting and opportune times, and now is the time to take action!  Join Create Wisconsin and local host organizations around the state for a pre-state budget season conversation about advocacy and action, the issues and opportunities ahead, and ways to get involved.

Anne Katz, Director of Create Wisconsin, the state's community cultural development organization, will facilitate the conversation and discuss Create Wisconsin’s 2024-2025 Action Agenda, how to tell your compelling story to decision makers, and tips and guidelines to be an informed, effective advocate.   With your partnership in this effort, we have a real chance for success this year.

The 2025-2027 state budget season is approaching.   As the state's creative sector advocacy and service organization, Create Wisconsin is already working hard to connect constituents with legislators and members of the Evers Administration, with a robust advocacy agenda that includes a proposal to increase funding to the Wisconsin Arts Board.  Wisconsin can and must do better to invest in an industry that strengthens the economy, quality of life, and livable, accessible communities. 

Please join us and local hosts throughout the state for a series of workshops on the issues, advocacy, and ways to take action.   

Each workshop will feature general advocacy info and info specific to the local host(s) region.  All are welcome to attend any of the sessions.

Dates/local hosts so far (schedule will be updated as sessions take place:

• Monday, September 9, 7-8 pm | local host:  SAGE, Green Bay

• Tuesday, September 10, 10-11 am | local host:  SAGE, Green Bay

• Tuesday, September 24, 7-8 pm | local hosts in the Northwoods: Three Lakes Center for the Arts; Land o' Lakes Arts; Dillman's Bay Resort Art Workshops, Lac du Flambeau; Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua; Eagle River Revitalization Program; ArtStart Rhinelander

• Wednesday, September 25, 10-11 am | local hosts in the Northwoods:  Three Lakes Center for the Arts; Land o' Lakes Arts; Dillman's Bay Resort Art Workshops, Lac du Flambeau; Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua; Eagle River Revitalization Program; ArtStart Rhinelander

The workshop features:

• What we mean by the "creative economy", including data and research

• Why the creative economy is THE clear direction for Wisconsin’s future

• Issues, trends, opportunities ahead

• Create Wisconsin’s 2025-2027 Legislative Agenda and advocacy actions in the upcoming budget season

Each workshop will feature general advocacy info and info specific to the communities hosting, but all are welcome to attend any workshop. A Zoom link and other info will be sent to you the day before the meeting.   

Questions?  Contact Anne Katz at Create Wisconsin | akatz@createwisconsin.org. 

Context for the discussion:

After Election Day on November 5, the new Legislature will begin its work in early January, and Gov.  Evers will introduce his FY2025-2027 budget  in February.  Create Wisconsin Day is April 1, 2025, at the Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison.  The budget season will continue until the end of June; the Governor will sign the budget by 6-30-25.   

Wisconsin’s overall creative sector contributed $11.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2022 and employed over 89,000 workers – that's more jobs than in the beer, biotech, and papermaking industries.  [US Bureau of Economic Advisors/National Endowment for the Arts]. 35 key arts and culture industries were responsible for $1.1 billion of the total value added and 5,176 workers. 

And, according to the recent Arts and Economic VI Prosperity report from Americans for the Arts and the Wisconsin Arts Board, Wisconsin’s nonprofit arts sector generated $933.3 MILLION in economic activity in 2022: 

• $437.1 MILLION spent by arts and culture organizations

• $496.2 MILLION in event-related expenditures by audiences, such as accommodations, food and beverage, recreation and retail shopping.

Despite these impressive numbers, in FY24, the Wisconsin Arts Board was appropriated $1,078,000 through the state budget process, or 0.18 cents per capita.  By comparison, FY24 per capita spending in Minnesota is $9.62 and Illinois is spending $5.22.  Yes, we can and must do better.

Advocacy for the Creative Economy: 
Creative Conversations about growing Wisconsin creatively Fall - Winter 2024
Zoom link: www.zoom.us/j/4601378823

These are interesting and opportune times, and now is the time to take action!  Join Create Wisconsin and local host organizations around the state for a pre-state budget season conversation about advocacy and action, the issues and opportunities ahead, and ways to get involved.

Anne Katz, Director of Create Wisconsin, the state's community cultural development organization, will facilitate the conversation and discuss Create Wisconsin’s 2024-2025 Action Agenda, how to tell your compelling story to decision makers, and tips and guidelines to be an informed, effective advocate.   With your partnership in this effort, we have a real chance for success this year.

The 2025-2027 state budget season is approaching.   As the state's creative sector advocacy and service organization, Create Wisconsin is already working hard to connect constituents with legislators and members of the Evers Administration, with a robust advocacy agenda that includes a proposal to increase funding to the Wisconsin Arts Board.  Wisconsin can and must do better to invest in an industry that strengthens the economy, quality of life, and livable, accessible communities. 

Please join us and local hosts throughout the state for a series of workshops on the issues, advocacy, and ways to take action.   

Each workshop will feature general advocacy info and info specific to the local host(s) region.  All are welcome to attend any of the sessions.

Dates/local hosts so far (schedule will be updated as sessions are scheduled:

• Monday, September 9, 7-8 pm | local host:  SAGE, Green Bay

• Tuesday, September 10, 10-11 am | local host:  SAGE, Green Bay

• Tuesday, September 24, 7-8 pm | local hosts in the Northwoods: Three Lakes Center for the Arts; Land o' Lakes Arts; Dillman's Bay Resort Art Workshops, Lac du Flambeau; Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua; Eagle River Revitalization Program; ArtStart Rhinelander

• Wednesday, September 25, 10-11 am | local hosts in the Northwoods:  Three Lakes Center for the Arts; Land o' Lakes Arts; Dillman's Bay Resort Art Workshops, Lac du Flambeau; Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua; Eagle River Revitalization Program; ArtStart Rhinelander

The workshop features:

• What we mean by the "creative economy", including data and research

• Why the creative economy is THE clear direction for Wisconsin’s future

• Issues, trends, opportunities ahead

• Create Wisconsin’s 2025-2027 Legislative Agenda and advocacy actions in the upcoming budget season

Each workshop will feature general advocacy info and info specific to the communities hosting, but all are welcome to attend any workshop. A Zoom link and other info will be sent to you the day before the meeting.   

Questions?  Contact Anne Katz at Create Wisconsin | akatz@createwisconsin.org. 

Context for the discussion:

After Election Day on November 5, the new Legislature will begin its work in early January, and Gov.  Evers will introduce his FY2025-2027 budget  in February.  Create Wisconsin Day is April 1, 2025, at the Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison.  The budget season will continue until the end of June; the Governor will sign the budget by 6-30-25.   

Wisconsin’s overall creative sector contributed $11.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2022 and employed over 89,000 workers – that's more jobs than in the beer, biotech, and papermaking industries.  [US Bureau of Economic Advisors/National Endowment for the Arts]. 35 key arts and culture industries were responsible for $1.1 billion of the total value added and 5,176 workers. 

And, according to the recent Arts and Economic VI Prosperity report from Americans for the Arts and the Wisconsin Arts Board, Wisconsin’s nonprofit arts sector generated $933.3 MILLION in economic activity in 2022: 

• $437.1 MILLION spent by arts and culture organizations

• $496.2 MILLION in event-related expenditures by audiences, such as accommodations, food and beverage, recreation and retail shopping.

Despite these impressive numbers, in FY24, the Wisconsin Arts Board was appropriated $1,078,000 through the state budget process, or 0.18 cents per capita.  By comparison, FY24 per capita spending in Minnesota is $9.62 and Illinois is spending $5.22.  Yes, we can and must do better.

Collaboration, Community, and Creativity: Rural Arts and Creativity Forum 2024

Everyone involved in the arts, creativity, and community - which means everyone who cares about Wisconsin’s future - is invited to join colleagues and friends in northwestern Wisconsin, to discuss and celebrate opportunities and actions for growth and sustainability, at the 2024 Rural Arts and Creativity Forum, taking place on Wednesday, September 4, at The Acreage at Osceola. Register here.

The Forum is hosted by Create Wisconsin, Wisconsin Arts Board, and The Acreage at Osceola.

The Forum has a 30+ year history bringing together leaders involved in the arts, business, economic development, education, government, and politics, to share stories, issues, and ideas on how to grow the region creatively and help creative people, businesses and communities flourish.  Now, as the post-pandemic world takes shape, the work is even more important, to discuss and deliberate collaboration, community, transformation and opportunities ahead.

The Acreage at Osceola is located on 360 acres of woodland and prairie habitat on the bluffs above the St. Croix River on Wisconsin’s northwestern edge. The Acreage embodies the vision and legacy left by Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients. This historic property, once serving as Horst’s residence, farm, and retreat, now serves as a model for sustainable conservation methods, a center for land and water stewardship, a place to learn, and gathering space for creatives, visionaries, and change-makers.

Agenda (draft July 2024 and subject to change)

• Starting at 9 am - registration, connecting, refreshments

• 10 am - welcome and introductions - we’ll take the time we need for everyone to introduce themselves 

• 11 am - Stories of Collaboration, Community, and Creativity
  - The Acreage at Osceola - a journey of entrepreneurship, conservation, education, and gathering - Greg Gentle, Director
  - Wisconsin's film industry development and investment - JoAnn Jardine, Studio One, Superior
  - The Historic St. Croix Falls Auditorium restoration - Kathryn Cesarz, Artistic Director, Festival Theatre, and Mayor Kirk Anderson, Mayor of St. Croix Falls
  - others TBA

• 12:30 pm - lunch and networking

• 1:30 pm - Resources for Rural Creative Investment:  presentations and discussion 
  - Kietra Olson, WEDC Office of Rural Prosperity
  - Andrew Nussbaum, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
  - George Tzougros, Wisconsin Arts Board
  - Anne Katz, Create Wisconsin
  - others TBA

• 2:30 pm - roundtables and action discussions - pondering these and other questions:

• Assets:  what are some of the great things, big and small, going on arts and creativity-wise in your community/region?  Please think of at least five, but the list is endless.

• Opportunities:  what are at least three things that can  be done - individually and/or collectively - to encourage creative development, collaboration, and investment?  Again, feel free to list as many as you can generate.

• Actions:  How are YOU involved in making things happen?  What groups, collaboratives, leaders, and activists are and should be involved in addressing creative sector growth, investment, and access?  Who’s not in the room today and should be involved/included?

• 4 pm - adjourn

There will be plenty of time to share events, questions, ideas, and possibilities with one another. Admission, coffee, and lunch are free and open to all. Registration is not required, but it is useful to know how many people to plan for. Register here.

Celebrate opportunities, connections, ideas, friends, and inspiration at the 2024 Rural Arts and Creativity Forum.

Questions?  Contact Anne Katz, Create Wisconsin, info@createwisconsin.org

Join the worldwide celebration of music! 
Performed by anyone. Free for everyone.

WORLD’S LARGEST ANNUAL MUSIC EVENT TO BE CELEBRATED
ACROSS WISCONSIN ON FRIDAY, JUNE 21 

Hundreds of free, mostly outdoor music-making events
to be held across the state
www.makemusicday.org/wi

Twenty-three cities across Wisconsin will join forces to present hundreds of free outdoor musical events on Friday, June 21 for Make Music Day, a global music celebration on the summer solstice each year that brings people of all ages and skill levels together to make music.

This year, Appleton, Barron, Beloit, Cable, Cambridge, Chequamegon Bay, DeForest, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Kenosha, Land O' Lakes, Madison, Marshfield, Middleton, Milwaukee, Monona, Oshkosh, Platteville, Shell Lake-Spooner, Stevens Point, Sun Prairie, Superior and Waunakee are some of the 150+ U.S. cities hosting thousands of Make Music Day performances nationwide, as part of the world’s largest annual music event. 

Make Music Day began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, and today it is celebrated in thousands of cities across 120 countries. 

Distinct from a traditional music festival, Make Music Day celebrates and encourages the natural music maker in all of us, regardless of age, ethnicity, background, or skill level. Make Music Day is a free and open invitation for everyone to perform, teach, learn, and experience the joy of making music on the longest day of the year. Reimagining their cities and towns as stages, every kind of musician – young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion – pours onto streets, parks, plazas, porches, rooftops, gardens and other public spaces to celebrate, create and share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers. 

"Each year, Make Music Wisconsin gets bigger and better, and reaches more people around the state,” said Anne Katz, executive director of Create Wisconsin. “The 23 Wisconsin communities involved this year include our largest cities and some of our smallest towns, and span the entire state from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan and from Lake Superior to the Illinois border. We're in awe of the creativity and hard work of community members in every one of these places, bringing together neighbors, friends, and family members through music as the universal language."

In a spectacular highlight of Make Music Wisconsin, Poland's Przekrój Foundation will launch Baby You – a massive, 112-foot-long hot air balloon in the shape of a sleeping newborn – over Milwaukee's Veterans Park, accompanied by a new a cappella choral work by composer Michael Schachter. All are invited to join the choir, conducted by Lee Stovall, and to experience this public art event that evokes the potential in all of us that’s waiting to be awakened, unlimited and endless as the sky. More details are at makemusicday.org/babyyou. 

More highlights of Make Music Wisconsin include: 

• Appleton: Make Music Day Appleton offers a diverse and extensive program, from an introduction to mariachi music, to ukulele jams, to a sensory-friendly music making workshop. The day will kick off with a mayoral proclamation quickly followed by a dance workshop led by the Broadway touring production of Moulin Rouge, and end in a closing showcase open to one and all.

• Barron: Barron will celebrate its fifth Make Music Day, beginning at 5:30 a.m. at our community center where participants can use the “Public Piano” after their lap swim or workout in the weight room. There will be drum circles, singalongs, harp music, and a new artists’ maker space where attendees can make and take a musical instrument, or make art with a musical theme. We are paying tribute this year to two musicians we recently lost. A flag ceremony with the playing of Taps will be held in honor of Chuck Kirkwood who had played Taps for over 80 years. Also being honored is Larry Jerome, who not only was an accomplished musician, but contributed to scholarships and opportunities for youth in our community to further their careers in music. Participants will sing or perform his signature song, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.”

• Beloit: Make Music Beloit, returning for its second year, will have more than three dozen performances taking place throughout the region. Several new venues have come on board and performances are planned to cover a wide array of music interests, from revues to outdoor festivals to electric guitar in an art museum.

• Cable: It’s Cable’s first Make Music Day and we’re pulling out all the stops. This Northwoods community of 825, nestled among the pines with its background chorus of birdsong and the rat-a-tat-tat of woodpeckers, invites you to receive a free kazoo and march along with the Price Lake Marching Band, witness the Tai Chi Players on the village green, experience a drumming circle, Boomwhacker concert and body percussion performance, and enjoy traditional music from local groups and singer-songwriters. 

• Cambridge: Cambridge is excited to host its inaugural Make Music Day event, sponsored by Visit Cambridge WI and Collaborative 523, Inc. Participants will be able to visit more than eight host locations to see and participate in more than 20 performances. The full day includes Melodic Morning Yoga, kazoo and harmonica lessons, a performance of The Color Purple musical drama, a bagpipe performance, bucket drumming, student performances, singalong bingo, toddler Music Together session, a Makey Makey sidewalk piano, and performances of all genres.

• Chequamegon Bay: Make Music Chequamegon Bay will kick off at 10:30 a.m. on Madeline Island with an instrument and kazoo band riding along on the ferry to welcome passengers. Throughout the day and evening, a variety of performances will include youth musicians, gong meditation, polka, rock, gospel, country, open mic, chamber music, indigenous music and more. Most events will take place at the center of La Pointe on Bell Street, but other local venues will be having entertainment as well. Evening music will begin at 6:00 p.m. when Rod Cerar & Orchestra will get the dancing started. Later in the night, Tom's Burned Down will feature Nick Hensley & Tony Cuchetti. There will also be a concert by the Garland City Consort in the Ashland Bandshell at 6 pm.

• Eau Claire: Pablo Center at the Confluence and CollECtive Arts invite everyone from professional musicians to people who have never picked up an instrument to join in the global music celebration by attending our Haymarket Plaza activities. Enjoy a creative afternoon with Might in Motion, ARTmobile craft activities and instrument creation, looping stations, an instrument petting zoo, ukulele corner, FIRST Robotics Competition team science activities, a youth band performance, and a celebration dance party.

• Green Bay: Make Music Day Green Bay presents a spectacular free noontime jazz performance by The Standard Collective on the picturesque patio of The Weidner, located on the beautiful University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus, with more events to be announced in the coming weeks.

• Land O’Lakes: Make Music Day Land O’ Lakes features a Mini Music Crawl from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will start at Sawbuck, continuing to Luoto’s Fitness courtyard and LOLA Arts. We will have singer and fiddler Brad Klabunde, singer and guitarist Jon Franke, Northwoods Ukers, pianist Norma Yaeger and the Brass Quintet.

• Madison: Make Music Madison is excited to present another incredible day of music with over 600 performances at 175+ venues. The city will become a stage with music of all styles, plus a harmonica lesson, an interactive Makey Makey activity, and a flamenco class that invites the audience to dress as flamingos. We will also host a flash mob playing Maurice Ravel’s Boléro on the Capitol Square, presented by the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra. Musician-in-residence Tzêra will cover the Make Music Madison anthem, and we will present a stage at Penn Park in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County.

• Marshfield: Marshfield is celebrating its fifth Make Music Day with hands-on morning activities for all ages at the Wenzel Family Plaza. Afternoon includes a family-friendly singing duo, ukulele group, and a rock concert at night. Starting at 3:00, Columbia Park will feature country music, Zumba dance, a singer-songwriter, and a sing-along popular family movie.

• Milwaukee: Along with Baby You (see above), Make Music Milwaukee will host a day-long event with performances and musical activities throughout the Greater Milwaukee area, in our eighth annual celebration. Adding to our usual 15 venues, Colectivo Coffee will host performances in their 11 locations. We are also adding day-long music performances at Hart Park Stage, culminating in a Sousapalooza, where musicians are invited to join in a concert of Sousa marches. Local artists such as Living Room, Jorge Vallentine & The Honest Love, Wynter Bates, Chris Darby, Ben & Jen, Papa Fishie and the Lost Trout, Jen Leo, Rael, Lake Waves Trio, Dr. Mikhail Johnson, The All Star Supper Club Band and The Ukuladies will be featured at locations including the Beulah Brinton House, the Milwaukee Public Libraries, the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, the Uptowner, and more.

• Monona: Much of Make Music Monona will take place at the annual Harry Whitehorse International Sculpture Festival at San Damiano, a former friary that’s now a lakefront public park. The festival immerses the community in the rich tradition of contemporary and traditional wood sculpting, and several sculptors also will play: Thorsten Schütt of Germany on djembe or guitar, Simone Carole Levy of Switzerland on vocals, and Gene Delcourt of Madison on fiddle. Musicians from around the area also will perform music in various genres throughout the day.

• Oshkosh: Make Music Oshkosh is in its inaugural year with two locations at the Heid Music Oshkosh store and the Oshkosh Public Library. The Library Dome will host many fun events including a beginning harmonica class, an interactive kids musical book reading, Oshkosh Sings with the Oshkosh Chamber Singers, a community Jazz Jam, a beginning guitar class with Guitars for Vets, and book reading and performance by John Harmon. The Heid Music store will host a bucket band, kazoo parade, pBuzz jam, and beginning ukulele class, ending the evening with a performance by the Oshkosh Area Ukulele Performers.

• Platteville: In its ninth year, Make Music Platteville will feature harmonica lessons at five different locations, Piano in the Park, Flute Choir Mass Appeal, a handbell ringing lesson, Prairie Lights String Band, The Plucky Strummers Ukulele Group, a jazz combo from Dubuque, Iowa, Music Together for young children in our new inclusive playground, and a plethora of music styles throughout the community. New venues this year include the Karrmann Library at UW Platteville, First Congregational Church, Smith Park-Inclusive Playground, and Frassati’s Coffeehouse.

• Spooner-Shell Lake: For Spooner and Shell Lake’s first ever Make Music Day, responses from area musicians have exceeded the expectations of Intermezzo Music Club, the initiators of this joyful celebration of music. With over 20 events planned in more than 15 venues, the day offers performances and participatory activities from Trego to Spooner to the Shell Lake Beach Pavilion.

• Sun Prairie: We are excited to introduce a new Hip-Hop Festival at the Sun Prairie Dream Park from noon to 4 p.m., providing a unique space for dance, spoken word and rap artists to share their art with the community. Artists of all ages are welcome to participate in this family-friendly event. The festival will also feature live graffiti artmaking, a dance session, and an Open Mic competition, with prizes for local youth. New downtown community center The Loop will host The Art of Sampling digital music workshop with music producer Overlor (City Alder David Virgell). Other events include a community drumming circle and a Piano Parade, which will offer eight pianos painted by area artists placed throughout downtown for pianists to come and play. The day's activities will end with a special Concert Pop-Up at Wetmore Park from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. featuring the Jon Hoel Group jazz ensemble.

• Superior: Prepare to be amazed by the incredible talent taking the stage in our beautiful city by the lake! Make Music Superior presents over 15 performances, showcasing seven gifted musicians who will also be mentoring young musicians in the summer parks program.

• Waunakee: The Waunakee Public Library will be host to several Make Music Day events during the day including play groups and children’s musicians. Performances will be held at several spots throughout the afternoon and evening, including the Red & White Wine Bar, Lone Girl Brewing Company, and Buck & Honey’s Restaurant. 

Make Music performances will also take place in DeForest, Kenosha, Middleton, and Stevens Point.

Make Music Wisconsin is coordinated statewide by Create Wisconsin. Special thanks to Wisconsin Public Radio and the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) for partnership, support and promotion.

For more information, contact Karen Loew of the Make Music Alliance: karen@makemusicday.org, 917-621-5174.

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Thanks to the national Make Music Day Alliance for partnership and Wisconsin Public Radio for statewide and regional promotion.

About Make Music Day
Held annually on June 21 to coincide with the summer solstice, Make Music Day is part of the international Fête de la Musique taking place in thousands of cities across 120 countries. The daylong musical free-for-all celebrates music in all its forms, encouraging people to band together and play in free public concerts. This year, over 150 U.S. cities are organizing Make Music celebrations, encompassing thousands of music making opportunities nationwide. Make Music Day is presented by The NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance. For more information, please visit makemusicday.org.

Are you interested in making Make Music Day happen for your community? Any community of any size in any part of the state is welcome to participate. Get in touch with Anne at akatz@createwisconsin.org | 608 255 8316) to talk about how your community can be involved.

A meeting of creative idea-sharing and networking, to launch planning in and for SW Wisconsin’s creative economy. Bringing together community members together to discuss collaborations, policies, and programs that move SW Wisconsin forward as a creative place to live, work, and play. This is the touchpoint for an ongoing, collaborative placemaking and placekeeping process involving everyone who cares about the future of the region, including creative workers and businesses, community and business organizations and partners, and elected officials and civic leaders. 

Hosted by Prosperity Southwest, Lafayette County Economic Development Corporation, Green County Economic Development Corporation, Monroe Arts Center, and Create Wisconsin.

For more information, contact Allison Taylor, Lafayette County Development Corporation, allison.taylor@lafayettecountywi.org.

Superior’s Creative Economy Summit will bring creative people together to focus on the creative economy and public art opportunities. The City of Superior’s Culture, Events, and Public Art Commission and Sterling Silver Studios, in partnership with Create Wisconsin, are bringing community members together to discuss collaborations, policies, and programs that move Superior forward as a creative place to live, work and play. This is the launch of an ongoing, collaborative placemaking and placekeeping process involving everyone who cares about the future of the region.  For more information, contact Carolyn Nelson-Kavajecz, iluvs2twirl@aol.com.

Create Wisconsin is pleased to be a co-host of the Wisconsin Arts Board's 50th anniversary meeting coming up in Madison on Thursday, March 7, 12:45pm - 2:30pm at Arts + Literature Laboratory (111 S. Livingston Street), following Day 1 of the 2024 Dane Arts Business of Art Conference. https://fb.me/e/69EE6L7Ah

Register here!

The Small Community Forums provide resources and a venue for everyone who cares about the future of Wisconsin’s small (and mighty) communities. The forums bring together residents, community leaders, elected officials, business leaders and civic-minded individuals to share best practices and discuss strategies to address the unique opportunities and challenges facing our communities. Hosted by local organizations and agencies and these statewide organizations:

• Create Wisconsin

• League of Wisconsin Municipalities

• UW-Madison, Division of Extension

• USDA Rural Development Wisconsin

• Wisconsin Downtown Action Council

•  Wisconsin Main Street Program, WEDC

• Wisconsin Rural Partners

• Office of Rural Prosperity, WEDC 

The Small Community Forums provide resources and a venue for everyone who cares about the future of Wisconsin’s small (and mighty) communities. The forums bring together residents, community leaders, elected officials, business leaders and civic-minded individuals to share best practices and discuss strategies to address the unique opportunities and challenges facing our communities.

If you want to connect with people working to make their communities better, come to a Forum near you!

Hosted by local organizations and agencies and these statewide organizations:

• Create Wisconsin

• League of Wisconsin Municipalities

• UW-Madison, Division of Extension

• USDA Rural Development Wisconsin

• Wisconsin Downtown Action Council

•  Wisconsin Main Street Program, WEDC

• Wisconsin Rural Partners

• Office of Rural Prosperity, WEDC

Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 10 am - 4 pm
At the Shell Lake Arts Center, 802 1st Street, Shell Lake, WI
Click here for more information and to register

Collaboration, Community, and Creativity: Rural Arts and Creativity Forum 2023

Everyone involved in the arts, creativity, and community - which means everyone who cares about Wisconsin’s future - is invited to join colleagues and friends in northwestern Wisconsin, to discuss and celebrate new beginnings at the 2023 Rural Arts and Creativity Forum, on Wednesday, June 28, in Shell Lake. 

This year’s Forum will take place at the Shell Lake Arts Center in Shell Lake, WI, a renowned summer music program where students further their artistry and skills with master musicians/teachers. The Forum is hosted by Create Wisconsin, Wisconsin Arts Board, and the Shell Lake Arts Center.

The Forum has a 30+ year history bringing together leaders involved in the arts, business, economic development, education, government, and politics, to share stories, issues, and ideas on how to grow the region creatively and help creative people, businesses and communities flourish.  Now, as the post-pandemic world takes shape, the work is even more important, to discuss and deliberate collaboration, community, transformation and opportunities ahead.

Agenda (subject to change)

• Starting at 9 am - registration, connecting, refreshments

• 10 am - welcome and introductions - we’ll take the time we need for everyone to introduce themselves 

• 11 am - Resources for Rural Creative Investment:  presentations and discussion 

• Jeff Anderson, Regional Representative, Wisconsin Department of Tourism

• Jerry Exterovich, Regional Representative, WEDC Office of Rural Prosperity

• Lisa Paulson, USDA Rural Development Wisconsin

• 12:30 pm - lunch with music program students!

• 1:30 pm - Collaboration, Community, and Creativity

• Mary Motiff, Mayor of Washburn/League of Wisconsin Municipalities

• George Tzougros, Wisconsin Arts Board

• Anne Katz, Create Wisconsin

• 2:30 pm - roundtables and action discussions - pondering these and other questions:

• Assets:  what are some of the great things, big and small, going on arts and creativity-wise in your community/region?  Please think of at least five, but the list is endless.

• Opportunities:  what are at least three things that can  be done - individually and/or collectively - to encourage creative development, collaboration, and investment?  Again, feel free to list as many as you can generate.

• Actions:  How are YOU involved in making things happen?  What groups, collaboratives, leaders, and activists are and should be involved in addressing creative sector growth, investment, and access?  Who’s not in the room today and should be involved/included?

• 4 pm - adjourn

There will be plenty of time to share events, questions, ideas, and possibilities with one another. Admission, coffee, and lunch are free and open to all. Registration is not required, but it is useful to know how many people to plan for.

Celebrate opportunities, connections, ideas, friends, and inspiration at the 2023 Rural Arts and Creativity Forum.

Questions?  Contact Anne Katz, Create Wisconsin, info@createwisconsin.org

An ongoing series of online conversations, hosted by Create Wisconsin and featuring a wide variety of partners and colleagues.  It’s pretty simple:  we’re bringing together people in every corner of the state to discuss news, issues and opportunities in the arts, culture, and creativity in Wisconsin.  Join us!

Upcoming Conversation:

• Friday, June 23, 10-11 am: Creativity, Capacity, and Resilience: Navigating the Post-Pandemic World
  Register here .
  
  Join us for a “Creative Conversation” on arts and creative resiliency, innovation, and perseverance in the face of continuous change.

  The session will focus on challenges and opportunities of the emerging post-pandemic era, including:

  ● The impact of pandemic-specific funding and other resources
  ● Adaptation of programs and services
  ● Changes in staff, volunteers, audiences, and communities
  ● Short- and long-term barriers and opportunities.

  Panelists:

• ● Jennifer Anderson, Director, Land o’Lake Arts, Land o’Lakes
  ● Rita Mae Reese, Co-Director, Art + Literature Lab, Madison
  ● Barbara Wanzo, Black Arts MKE, Milwaukee
  
  Wisconsin’s creative sector - a $10.8 billion industry encompassing more jobs than the state’s beer, biotech, and papermaking industries - has shown great resiliency, creativity, innovation, and perseverance in the face of continuous change during the COVID era.

  While the worst days of the pandemic are over, the creative industries still grapple with ongoing challenges, including workforce issues, audience engagement and participation changes, sustainability and capacity, and rising costs for businesses and consumers. At the same time, there have been surprising new programming and audience opportunities through the expansion of virtual technology, and lessons learned about the intrinsic value of the arts and creativity as fundamental to the human experience and broader community life.

Past Conversations:

• Telling your story:  that’s what advocacy is all about. Thursday, April 6, 2023. Facebook Live recording here.

• Cultural tourism. Friday, March 24, 2023. With Casey Brown, Ho-Chunk Nation & Native American Tourism of Wisconsin and Chris Clemens, Director of Viroqua Chamber/Main Street. Recording will be posted soon.

• Creativity through community and community through creativity. Thursday, March 9, 2023 Recording here. Passcode: A?4JMfFT

• Rural Arts and Creativity is where it's at!, Friday, February 24. Recording here. Passcode: FY!UBWm0

• Effective advocacy for these “interesting” times, Friday, January 27. Recording here. Passcode: E2BuJJk*