By Nicole Gruter, Jessica Steinhoff and Katie Vaughn | Photo by Hillary Schave
Wisconsin ranks 49th among states for arts funding. Compare this to its first-ranking neighbor, Minnesota, and the proposition of working in the arts in Wisconsin can feel dire.
Recognizing the positive social and economic impact of a strong arts community, Dane County is holding its own. Thanks to creative entrepreneurs, solicited private funding, community endeavors and grassroots efforts, these new and established arts hubs and nonprofits help carry the artistic torch, sustaining and growing the county’s vibrant artistic foundation.
Dane Arts Buy Local
The Dane County Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission collaborates with artists to help them gain more financial independence and fund their creative projects as well as organizes pop-up markets and an annual conference for the arts community.
Madison Public Art Project
The Madison Public Art Project has brought permanent artworks to the area, such as the popular downtown “Flamingo Swirls” mural, and temporary pieces, including the “Wildflowers of Wisconsin” fiber art mural in Fitchburg.
Arts + Literature Laboratory
ALL brings together visual artists, performers, writers and musicians in this nonprofit, artists-driven interdisciplinary art space.
Art Hub
This Cambridge-based creative space offers classes (painting, pottery, jewelry), a ceramics studio, an event space and an art gallery.
ART House 360
Dance, visual art, theater and music will all have a home at ART House 360. The forthcoming Verona arts facility will have affordable studios for working artists plus performance and exhibition space.
Ten by Ten
Founder Allana Randall operates an Etsy shop and sells her stickers, glassware, totes and other accessories at pop-up markets in Madison and the Midwest. She also holds her own biannual markets, the Ten by Ten Collective, which bring together makers who each contribute proceeds to a cause of their choice.
