Action Alert 9-8-20: all about the arts, culture, creativity and community throughout Wisconsin

ARTS WISCONSIN ACTION ALERT 9-8-2020:

all about the arts, culture, creativity and community
throughout Wisconsin

September 8, 2020

Dear ,

Good news! Last Thursday, Gov. Tony Evers announced the launch of a $5 million COVID-19 Cultural Organization Grant Program to assist Wisconsin cultural organizations that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's the info:

Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), the program provides eligible organizations grant awards of up to $250,000 to cover pandemic-related impacts such as lost revenue, increased workers compensation costs, cleaning and sanitization, and purchases of services or equipment to facilitate telework by employees. This effort is funded through federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars.

"Our nonprofit art and cultural organizations are a great source of pride, history, and expression for all Wisconsinites," said Gov. Evers. "These organizations also play a pivotal role in both local and statewide economies, including significant tourism activity, and will be critical to our state's financial recovery."

Eligible organizations must have a primary mission to produce, present or exhibit cultural disciplines such as music, dance, theater, literature and the visual arts, or items of environmental or scientific interest. Full program details, eligibility standards, grant application, and program contact information are available on the DOA website.

"This program will build-upon the important work that the Wisconsin Arts Board as the state agency for the arts, culture, and creativity has already done to support the arts and humanities in our state," said DOA Secretary Joel Brennan. "During these challenging and historic times, we need these institutions now more than ever for hope and healing."

Grant applications are due to DOA by no later than 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend a informational webinar on Thursday, September 10 (details below).

This program is connected to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's "We're All In" public safety and workforce development program. Thanks to Gov. Evers and to Secretary Brennan, the Department of Administration, and WEDC for making this program happen, to Tourism Secretary-designate Sara Meaney for her strong enthusiasm and support, to the Wisconsin Arts Board for its good work, and, to all of you for your creativity and advocacy every day, especially in these uncertain times.

Now, as your mother always said, it's important to say thank you to supporters. Please send a personalized message to Gov. Evers using Arts Wisconsin's Legislative Action Center to express your thanks for this program, and to ask for continuing investment in Wisconsin's creative people, businesses, communities, and opportunities for the benefit of everyone, everywhere in the state.

As always, keep in touch with questions, comments, and ideas.

Regards,

Anne Katz, Director

608 255 8316

akaz@artswisconsin.org

Advocacy now and into the future

True, effective advocacy is a daily activity. We know you're busy (and we know that's an understatement), but right now, your advocacy and actions are critical. The state's new COVID-19 Cultural Organization Grant Program is much-needed and much-appreciated. And, more investment is needed in the short- and long-term, on the state and federal levels, as the effects of the pandemic on the creative sector continue. Here's what you can do to speak up for investment and support of the arts, culture and creativity locally and throughout the state:

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives is scheduled to go back to work this month to consider more relief and stimulus support as the continuing and cascading effects of the pandemic go on, not only for creative industries and workers, but for millions of Americans in every walk of life. Now is the time to contact Sen. Johnson, Sen. Baldwin, and your Congressperson to make the case and ask for that investment. Send a message to these federal representatives through Americans for the Arts' Arts Action Fund.

In addition to sending a message of appreciation to Gov. Evers for the new state support, send a message to your State Senate and State Assembly representatives asking for more investment, because a strong creative sector is key to Wisconsin's recovery, re-emergence, and revitalization. Use Arts Wisconsin's Legislative Action Center to send a personalized message.

And, of course, Tuesday, November 3 - Election Day - is coming up fast. In addition to the Presidential election, half of Wisconsin's State Senate (16 representatives) and all 99 Assembly seats are on the ballot. It's every citizens right and duty to vote, and your vote has never been more important.

Arts Wisconsin is partnering with Americans for the Arts' Arts Action Fund to help people in Wisconsin take the #ArtsVote pledge, because it's every citizen's right and duty to vote.

Use the ArtsVote website for the latest info on voting rules and deadlines. Make sure you're registered. make sure you vote, and make your vote count.

Listening sessions and other online conversations

Coming up this week:

Thursday, September 10, 1:30-2:30 pm: informational webinar for interested applicants to the COVID-19 Cultural Organization Program. Click here for all the info on the grant and the webinar.

Friday, September 11, 9-10 am: Listening sessions hosted by Arts
Wisconsin an

d the Wisconsin Arts Board on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month to share ideas and perspectives on the impact of the pandemic on work and life, and brainstorm recommendations on actions to take locally and globally. To participate:

Online: www.zoom.us/j/4601378823
Phone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 460 137 8823

Support Arts Wisconsin to keep Wisconsin's creativity strong

Creativity is essential right now, more than ever. Arts Wisconsin is working tirelessly to keep

Wisconsin's creative economy strong through the age of coronavirus, widespread economic distress, and much-needed action for social justice, and beyond.

As a member-driven, collaborative, inclusive advocacy and service organization, supporters like you are indispensable to Arts Wisconsin's success. We work on your behalf and for everyone, everywhere in the state, with advocacy, service and development to grow creative opportunities, ideas and methods to address the critical issues of our time.

We appreciate your tax-deductible contribution to help us in these efforts, via:

Check payable to Arts Wisconsin, Box 1054, Madison, WI 53701-1054
Credit card via Mightycause (VISA/MC)
PayPal

Many thanks for your good work and for your support!

We're All In - creatively!

Arts Wisconsin and Wisconsin's creative businesses and people support mask wearing and physical

distancing, to help protect ourselves, our friends and families, and our communities in every corner of the state.

Thanks to UW Madison theatre student Gabe Hanna for creating this great video showing Wisconsin's creative sector masking up and physically distancing. We're All In this together! Special thanks also to the Wisconsin Economic development Corporation (WEDC) for support,

League of Wisconsin Municipalities

for assistance in this project, and to the creative organizations and people featured in the video.

Action Alerts are an important service of Arts Wisconsin as Wisconsin's community cultural development and advocacy organization. Thanks to Arts Wisconsin members, sponsors, and donors. We are able to do our work with your support!

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