There was a lot to be grateful for this November at the Arts Board, from Wisconsin's amazing artists and arts organizations, to the grant programs that we steward (applications for 4 of them opened this month), to our staff (our executive director attended a national and a regional executive leadership gatherings this month; our assistant director guest-taught a couple of arts administration classes at UW Stevens Point), to our 8 rockstar grant panelists (who reviewed 54 new Creation and Presentation applications this month), and more!
Grant Programs
An incredible 4 of our grant programs opened in November! Nonprofit organizations can submit only one application each year, choosing the program that fits best. Each of these programs is unique and has specific requirements. Read more about each one below.
Creative Communities Program - offers project-based grants between $1,500 and $6,000
The Creative Communities (CC) grants program encourages arts education, cultural understanding, and community arts development in Wisconsin. It provides support for projects that further the Arts Board’s goals in the following three areas: Arts Education, Folk and Traditional Arts, and Local Arts. Through direct financial support of specific arts projects, the Arts Board sustains the vitality of Wisconsin culturally, educationally and economically.
Application Deadline: February 18, 2026
America250 - offers $2,500 project-based grants focused on the 250th anniversary of the USA
As we approach the semiquincentennial of the United States of America (America250) in 2026, the WI Arts Board has received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts to support arts projects that celebrate the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity. We will award 20 of these $2,500 grants. Please note that the Creative Communities Phase 1 application form also serves as the application form for the one-time America250 grant funding that the WI Arts Board offers this year.
Application Deadline: February 18, 2026
Woodland Indian Arts Program - offers project-based grants between $1,500 and $6,000
The Woodland Indian Arts Program (WIA) is designed to promote and develop a foundation of cultural and economic support for traditional and contemporary Native American arts in Wisconsin. As part of this work, the Arts Board annually distributes funds from Gaming Compact monies to support artistic activities among Wisconsin's tribes, bands and urban Indian communities.
Application Deadline: February 12, 2026
Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program - offers $3,500 to support apprenticeships
Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeships are designed to strengthen and encourage the continuity of Wisconsin's diverse cultural traditions by supporting exemplary traditional artists and culture bearers in passing their skills and knowledge on to committed and talented apprentices.
Application Deadline: March 19, 2026
WAB Staff – Out and About
Arts Board Executive Director, George Tzougros, attended the Executive Forum of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) this month in Omaha, Nebraska. Executive Forums are small gatherings for the executive and deputy/assistant directors of state and jurisdictional arts agencies. These meetings are opportunities for in-depth, professionally facilitated dialogue about the most pressing issues facing state arts agencies. The emphasis is on peer learning and conversations with colleagues. From there, he headed to Minneapolis to participate in Arts Midwest’s board meeting, serving as one of two board members from Wisconsin. Regional strategic planning played a significant part in that agenda. Invited by Associate Professor Jim O’Connell, WAB’s Assistant Director Karen Goeschko spoke with arts administration students at UW-Stevens Point about career paths and WI resources.
Creation and Presentation Grant Panel Meetings
Every year, we rely on the services and expertise of many volunteer (should remove because we pay them now) peer panelists, who review grant applications and make recommendations for funding to our Board. This month, we held two grant proposal review peer panel meetings (with one spanning two days of review), convening arts experts for our FY26 Creation and Presentation Grant Program. The focus of the full year applications this year was Music. Panels bring together artists, arts professionals, educators, community members, and others actively involved in the arts. Their participation is solicited by Arts Board staff on a panel-by-panel basis. We always welcome new panelist applications! Learn and become more involved in the arts in Wisconsin here.
