April 15th, 2026: Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order #289, declaring a state of emergency as communities across Wisconsin continue to experience and recover from severe storms, power outages, record rainfall, and flooding, all of which are expected to continue throughout the week. Read more from WisPolitics.
Read ReadyWisconsin's April 2026 Severe Storms and Flooding Update
Natural disasters affect everyone, and leave effects that can reverberate throughout affected communities days, weeks, months, or even years after an extreme event. Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists alike are impacted by these types of events.
We've compiled a list of resources for folks within Wisconsin's arts ecosystem below, and will continue to update the list with relevant and timely information.
If you notice that a resource is missing, or if you have a question, please let us know by calling us 608-266-0190, or sending an email to artsboard@wisconsin.gov.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA has information to help you prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters specific to Wisconsin. FEMA also provides tools and resources for recovery after a natural disaster. One of these tools provides guidance to help you recover your family treasures.
If and when federal disaster declarations are in place (find declarations here), federal assistance may be available:
Artists and other self-employed individuals may be eligible for FEMA assistance to replace tools and equipment lost or damaged; a guidance booklet is here.
National Coalition for Arts Preparedness & Emergency Response (NCAPER)
Nonprofits may be eligible for Public Assistance and other recovery resources; the Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Assistance provides guidance through multiple funding programs for artists and nonprofit arts and cultural organizations.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
NEA has a Disaster Readiness & Recovery for the Arts and Culture Sector page with a number of resources for arts organizations.
The Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative
The Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative and the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF) share materials to help those in the U.S. and abroad be fully prepared in all aspects of disaster risk management and emergency response.
The National Heritage Responders (NHR)
NHR serves the needs of cultural institutions and the public during emergencies and disasters through coordinated efforts with first responders, state agencies, vendors, and the public.
Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups affected can call the National Heritage Responders hotline at 202-661-8068. Members of the public and individual artists who have questions about saving family heirlooms and personal collections can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org.
Midwest Art Conservation Center
The MACC staff is available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days a week to give immediate assistance with disaster recovery efforts. Institutions and individuals experiencing a collections disaster can contact MACC to consult on the best practices to protect and recover their collections.
Call the main phone number, 612-870-3120 and you will be directed to a staff member immediately or to our after-hours emergency phone number.
Funding for Artists
The Entertainment Community Fund
The Entertainment Community Fund is a national nonprofit supporting performing arts and entertainment professionals with services in health, housing, career development, and emergency assistance. Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals who are experiencing an unexpected, critical financial need.
MusiCares