New Economy Funding Initiative
The Change Wisconsin Needs - 56 cents gives Wisconsin
the competitive advantage
Sign up today to show your support!
Arts
Wisconsin urges everyone who cares about Wisconsin's future to support
the Wisconsin Arts Board’s New
Economy Funding Initiative – an investment of $1 per capita for
the Arts Board, the state agency dedicated to culture, creativity, commerce
and community. This strategic investment will give Wisconsin
the competitive advantage it needs in the 21st century economy, by:
- Investing in regional economic development through the arts
- Creating new and exciting partnerships and job opportunities and attracting and retaining innovative companies and entrepreneurs
- Educating the 21st century workforce, through arts integration and involvement for all Wisconsin students
- Strengthening the artistic and cultural infrastructure statewide, for vibrant and livable communities in every corner of the state.
In 1992, the state invested 59¢ per person in the Wisconsin Arts Board, ranking Wisconsin 30th in the nation for state arts agency funding. In 2008, Wisconsin ranks 43rd, at an allocation of only 44¢ per person (2007-2009 budget: $2,470,200). Just 56 cents more for the 2009-2011 state budget (approximate 2009-2011 budget: $5,600,000) will give Wisconsin the competitive advantage it needs in the 21st century economy.
Click here for the New Economy Funding Initiative's three components.
The campaign for the New Economy Funding Initiative includes program and playbill ads, Power Point presentations, template letters to elected officials, and more. Arts Wisconsin will continue to expand the campaign resources throughout 2008, and encourages Wisconsin arts activists to spread the word about the campaign and use these resources to advocate for increased state investment in the arts and arts education.
New Economy Funding Initiative campaign resources:
The power of creativity and innovation is now in the hands of the people of Wisconsin, with the opportunity for Wisconsin to compete for the cream of the crop in new jobs is now here and to strengthen our ability to compete in the new global marketplace. Going hand-in-hand with this vibrant competitiveness is the real chance to strengthen an innovative state of education and create a live/work/ play environment that keeps our best and brightest right here at home.
With this strategic investment, Wisconsin can have a new kind of economy that sets the stage for new kinds of companies and businesses to start up right here and succeed right here.
The best thing about the New Economy Funding Initiative is that it can start to happen for the price of just half a cup of coffee. If we each invest just 56¢ more a year in the Wisconsin Arts Board, we will embolden the creative forces we need to compete and improve the quality of life for everyone, everywhere in Wisconsin.
Today, we invest only 44¢, so this added 56¢ adds up to a $1 investment in the new economy by Wisconsin taxpayers. It’s an investment that delivers a greater return than the hottest of stocks and companies. Improving Wisconsin’s economy is both an art and a science.
Click here for tools and resources to help you speak up for the New Economy Funding Initiative, and the arts and arts education in your community and statewide!