The Great Recession of 2008 and 2009 drives ongoing debate about how and when our economy will recover. Recovery as return to past development practices, though, will not position Wisconsin for economic growth. Recovery must contribute to our economic reinvention, already in motion before the crisis. The shift from a traditional commodity-based, mass production economy to a knowledge-based, creative economy demands strategic focus on productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Arts Board is uniquely positioned to provide leadership to engage public, private, and nonprofit sectors in a shared agenda to establish Wisconsin’s stronghold in the creative, knowledge-based economy. We assert our increasingly vital role as a state agency in the progression described in our positioning statement: Creativity. Culture. Community. Commerce.
The New Economy Funding Initiative can be found here: 
New Economy Funding Initiative 2010.pdf