Dale Johnson

The Wisconsin Arts Board Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2023-2026 outlines the agency's future activities and programs. Developed through an inclusive process in Autumn 2021, the plan aims to reflect Wisconsin's diversity, identify opportunities and challenges, and invest resources in the state's arts and creative sectors. Key focus areas include deepening capacity, recognizing emerging arts initiatives, and inspiring participation and appreciation, with a continued focus on supporting communities impacted by the pandemic. The plan, originally for 2023-2025, was extended to include Fiscal Year 2026 due to the evolving arts ecosystem and funding climate.

The meeting of the external relations committee included discussions on adjusting the meeting time to 10:00 a.m. to accommodate key staff availability. There was also a review of board member talking points, with suggestions for improving accessibility and content. The committee discussed the efficacy of economic impact studies and the potential for focusing more on social prescription and individual stories. Additionally, there was a discussion on bookmark designs, with staff suggesting a simpler design with a statement and a QR code.

The meeting discussed the FY21 Creative Communities Local Arts Panel. The panel reviewed proposals, provided feedback, and discussed updates to projects in light of COVID-19. They also addressed the logistics of performances, intergenerational connectedness, community stories, and the importance of organizational history and mission statements in applications.

The meeting of the Local Arts Panel included introductions of the panel members, including their names, cities, affiliations with arts organizations, and reasons for joining the Arts Board. The panel discussed the Wisconsin Arts Board's background, vision, and values, including imagination, creativity, respect for cultures, and community engagement. The panel also discussed the purpose of the local Arts component of creative communities, which is to encourage public participation in the arts at the local level.

The town hall meeting focused on gathering input for strategic planning, particularly in the context of the current environment. Key discussion points included how the Wisconsin Arts Board can better serve communities and organizations, what challenges they are facing, and what the board should consider for its future plans. There was also discussion regarding a request for funds to match the money received from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the potential impact if the request is not approved. Participants shared ideas on partnerships, mini-grants, and organizational skills for local arts groups.