Creative Copy is the Wisconsin Arts Board's bi-weekly newsletter distributing relevant information and important resources to artists and arts organizations in Wisconsin. If you think we missed something, or if you have a question, email vivienne.timchenko@wisconsin.gov, and if you haven't yet, make sure to subscribe to the Wisconsin Arts News and Creative Copy!
The photo displayed above is a close up of Karon Winzen's Currents, a piece of art commissioned through the formerly active State of Wisconsin Percent for Art Program. Currents is located at the Green Bay DMV Service Center (944 Vanderperren Way, Green Bay). The flowing, shaped fabric of Karon Winzenz's relief sculpture suggests flowing water, while triangular patches at the ends of the piece (not pictured in the close up view) hint at river banks.
Mental Health
A little while back, inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arts Board created an
Arts and Wellness resource list to provide resources highlighting the connection between art and healthy minds. We've explored the topic of
Social Rx, an innovative and evidence-based practice in both the United States and across the globe where health providers prescribe arts, cultural, and nature activities free-of-cost for patients in community settings to holistically address an individual’s specific health issues and unmet needs such as poor mental health, substance misuse, chronic disease, and social isolation.The arts are an essential component of wellness, a fact made especially clear during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Here, we've created a digital space focused on mental health for artists and arts professionals - what mental health means, how artists and arts professionals can prioritize mental health, and what mental health resources are available in Wisconsin for artists and arts professionals.Wisconsin artist Ike Wynter shares some powerful thoughts and his story in this article: From Mike Tyson to the NFL, Depression, Anxiety, and the Power of Wood. It's worth a read!Local Resources** Check if your county has a Department of Human Services **
211 Wisconsin
211 Wisconsin is a statewide service that helps residents access thousands of local programs and services, including food pantries, housing assistance, utility support, mental health resources, substance use services, and domestic violence shelters. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.NAMI WisconsinThe state office of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization providing advocacy, education, support, and public awareness.Dane County Department of Human ServicesOffers and funds a wide variety of services to meet the needs of individuals that experience challenges related to mental health and substance use disorders.Safe CommunitiesSafe Communities Dane County is a coalition of over 350 organizations dedicated to saving lives and improving safety in the community. They focus on various areas such as drug harm reduction, recovery, suicide prevention, traffic safety, and falls prevention.Milwaukee County Health and Human Services
A local government agency dedicated to providing essential social, protective, and health-related services. It supports residents across their lifespan—from at-risk youth and individuals with disabilities to older adults and veterans.
Healthy MKE
Offers resources to help community members and providers find and access behavioral health and substance use services in Milwaukee County.
Black SpaceA community organization that provides free group therapeutic experiences for Black and Brown communities in beautiful and safe spaces (like the Milwaukee Art Museum).Healthy Minds ProgramCreated by a UW professor, the program uses neuroscience, contemplative traditions, and skill-based learning methods to help you develop the skills for a healthy mind in the palm of your hand.
National/International ResourcesBacklineA 501(c)(3) non-profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources.Creatives CareA community of artists, providers, and supporters securing the future of the arts by providing free services to help artists access affordable, high-quality mental healthcare. Creative CapitalInvests in experimental, adventurous work grappling with urgent issues, including: life on land, artificial intelligence, mass incarceration, civil rights, and mental health.Entertainment Community FundAny performing arts or entertainment professional may call on their Mental Health services for support, information or referrals to community agencies.IndieSpaceCelebrates and centers independent theater-making in New York City, but has a lot of great resource guides for theatre professionals. Many specialized individual resource guides are listed below:Mental Health and Collective Health Resources for AANHPI Theater Artists
A collection of grants, directories, therapists, healing spaces, and podcasts that center the mental and collective health needs of AANHPI indie theater artists.
Mental Health and Collective Health Resources for Indigenous Peoples Theater Artists
A collection of grants, directories, therapists, healing spaces, and podcasts that center the mental and collective health needs of Indigenous Peoples indie theater artists.
Mental Health and Collective Health Resources for Immigrant Theater Artists
A collection of grants, directories, therapists, healing spaces, and podcasts that center the mental and collective health needs of immigrant indie theater artists.
Mental Health and Collective Health Resources for Disabled Theater Artists
A collection of grants, directories, therapists, healing spaces, and podcasts that center the mental and collective health needs of Disabled indie theater artists.
Mental Health and Collective Health Resources for Black Theater Artists
A collection of grants, directories, therapists, healing spaces, and podcasts that center the mental health needs of Black indie theater artists.