I recently attended an event on the creative economy in Southwestern Wisconsin. I spoke with representatives from Create Wisconsin, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, regional economic development corporations, and a number of stakeholders in the local creative economy about the importance of the arts to our region.

The afternoon began with a roundtable discussion at Taliesin in Spring Green. Representatives from Taliesin Preservation Inc., American Players Theatre, and Wyoming Valley School Cultural Art Center in Iowa County, Driver Opera House in Lafayette County, and Driftless Development in Crawford County participated. We discussed provisions in the state budget that will benefit the arts, as well as what still needs to be done to support the rural creative economy.

The state budget increased funding for the Wisconsin Arts Board, enabling it to secure additional federal matching dollars for artists and arts organizations across the state. It also created a state film office to provide incentives aimed at attracting film productions to Wisconsin. Additionally, the budget included a $5 million grant to Taliesin Preservation, which will work with private donations to help restore and expand the historic property.

Advocating for Taliesin’s grant was something I was extremely proud to do in the state budget. I worked at Taliesin as a groundskeeper during college and have served on its Board of Directors as treasurer. The team there does an outstanding job promoting Southwestern Wisconsin. Executive Director Carrie Rodamaker has told me that 80% of the property’s visitors come from out of state!

After our meeting, we toured American Players Theatre (APT), located just down the road. APT is a nationally recognized outdoor theater that welcomes approximately 100,000 visitors each season. In addition to bringing national attention to the Spring Green area, APT is a major economic driver. A study by UW-Whitewater found that APT contributes nearly $46 million annually in economic impact, and employs more than 340 people. Remarkably, nearly one-third of APT visitors stay overnight in the area. These are people who are staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants, and shopping in our stores.

APT is just one example of the importance of the arts in our communities. Whether an event brings in 100,000 or 100 visitors from outside of our region, the impact in meaningful. These organizations help make Southwestern Wisconsin a destination for those who value the arts. Many are run by dedicated volunteers who are excellent stewards of donor support. It is inspiring to see firsthand how the creative sector shapes Southwestern Wisconsin’s culture and economy, making it a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

If you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.