This information was featured in Creative Copy (CC), a Wisconsin Arts Board (WAB) e-newsletter that distributes information to artists and arts organizations. You can find more resources in WAB's online database. If you think we missed something, or if you have a question, reach out to WAB via email at artsboard@wisconsin.gov or phone at 608-266-0190. If you haven't already, make sure to join our email list to receive CC and other WAB resources!
Connect In?
Our agency serves all people in Wisconsin, in all communities, no matter how large or how small. We've often heard that outside of the free services we offer (like our newsletters and technical support to artists), and the grant making responsibilities we hold, one of the other important pieces of our work is our ability to convene communities. So this week, we want to highlight how we'll be convening people within the Kenosha and Racine communities in a few weeks, how you can connect in and identify arts allies within your own community, and how individual artists can stay connected into information on recent legislation (President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act) that affects them.
Identifying Arts Allies in Your Community
"Connecting in" can look like a lot of different actions, as an individual, as an organization, as an educator, or even as a young person. We want to share a resource adapted from the Robert E. Gard Wisconsin Idea Foundation, a checklist we created to help arts organizations connect in locally, and identify arts allies in their community. You can download the PDF Checklist, we recommend printing and filling it out, and revisiting it annually, or whenever changes within your community leadership occur. This checklist is by no means comprehensive, so adapt it to suit your organization's focus and needs!
Connecting Into Information on Legislation Affecting Artists
Not just organizations, but individuals should also try to connect in, wherever possible with their communities. Given all of the changes within our state, and the US as a whole, it's especially important to stay up to date on current legislation. President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was recently passed on July 4th, 2025, and we advise artists to consult information sources, like this
guide, to understand how OBBBA affects them. The Wisconsin Arts Board also offers technical support to artists, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions, and we'll try to help, or connect you with someone with more information!