2018 Election Resources – Candidate Survey Questions

Background: Wisconsin’s arts and cultural organizations add energy to the economy, enhance education for all Wisconsin students, provide access to the arts and support quality of life in every corner of the state. According to January 2017 Dun and Bradstreet data, Wisconsin boasts nearly 10,000 arts-related businesses that employ over 51,000 people. The nonprofit arts sector alone provides an economic impact of $637 million. Statement: State appropriations and policies to advance Wisconsin’s creative industries (including arts, cultural, historical, humanities, science, and arts education resources) are critically important for a strong economic and innovative future in Wisconsin. Do you support the establishment of Wisconsin Creates, an innovative state program to grow Wisconsin’s investment in its creative economy?

Background: Global research and practice show that students with high levels of arts participation outperform other students on virtually every measure from standardized tests to community participation, and that learning through the arts has a significant effect on learning in other areas, particularly in the early years.The arts and creativity are a critical component of the overall education of all Wisconsin students as they engage in the 21st century workforce. Knowledge and creativity add up to a workforce with a competitive edge in a global economy. In that equation, knowledge represents what we can know; creativity helps us manage the unknown. Arts education develops that creative capacity inherent in everyone; it is the single discipline that specifically teaches the skills needed to drive creative thought toward innovative action. We know that Wisconsin needs more workers proficient in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) studies; to capitalize on their expertise, we must add the arts for STEAM in Wisconsin. Statement: Wisconsin should support policies and funding to increase the availability and integration of arts programs in Wisconsin’s schools, to benefit all Wisconsin students. Do you agree or disagree?