Wisconsin Arts Board

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.

The committee convened to discuss and approve the budget for fiscal year 2025, reviewing updates from fiscal year 2024. Key discussion points included a request for an extension from the National Endowment for the Arts due to delays in the 50th Anniversary awards, and the proposed addition of a Communications person to the staff, funded by federal money. The budget includes increased travel expenses for the NASA conference in Puerto Rico and a $5,000 increase to Poetry Out Loud. The committee also discussed state legislation and budget supplements to meet federal matching requirements.