Creative Conversations
4th Friday of each month, 10-11 am CT
January-June 2023

A monthly series of online conversations hosted by Create Wisconsin

Register here. You’ll received a reminder and Zoom info right before the date.

Session #2:  Friday, February 24, 10-11 am:  Rural arts and creativity is where it’s at! The creative energy of entrepreneurs in rural Wisconsin activates opportunities and communities in every corner of the state.  Investment in arts and culture is a key ingredient for a better future and as an essential component of strategies aimed at ensuring that young people want to make rural Wisconsin their home.   The needs and potential of rural Wisconsin communities are a central focus of the 2020 Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity report.  

Speakers:

• Kietra Olson, Program Director, WEDC Office of Rural Prosperity

• Melissa Martinez, Director, Washburn Chamber of Commerce

Creative Conversations are online monthly convenings, hosted by Create Wisconsin and a wide variety of a wide variety of partners. These sessions bring together Wisconsinites in every corner of the state - creative workers and creative business leaders; economic, workforce, civic and tourism development professionals and supporters; politicians; really, anyone who cares about Wisconsin’s future - to learn about and discuss updates on advocacy and legislation, trends, research, and issues impacting the arts, culture, and creativity in Wisconsin.  As the post-pandemic world comes into view, many industries in Wisconsin - including the creative sector - are facing historic challenges and opportunities.

Each month, we’ll talk about the issues around those challenges and opportunities, such as workforce retention issues, funding changes, audience participation, and necessary opportunities to expand engagement and involvement.

Past sessions:

Session #1, Friday, January 27
Effective advocacy for these “interesting” times
Click here for recording. Passcode: E2BuJJk*

True, effective advocacy is a daily activity, and Wisconsin has a great case to make about the critical importance of investment in the creative sector as we craft a vibrant, equitable, post-pandemic world. And now is the time to make that case, with the state budget season and an important election upon us. Featuring updates on advocacy for the state budget process with Create Wisconsin and activists statewide, investment in Wisconsin’s creative economy, Create Wisconsin Month (April) and Create Wisconsin Day (Thursday, April 13), and the importance of voting and being involved in civic issues from the ground up. With Kelly McDowell, Legislative Counsel for Create Wisconsin.

Creative Conversations are online monthly convenings, hosted by Create Wisconsin and a wide variety of a wide variety of partners. These sessions bring together Wisconsinites in every corner of the state - creative workers and creative business leaders; economic, workforce, civic and tourism development professionals and supporters; politicians; really, anyone who cares about Wisconsin’s future - to learn about and discuss updates on advocacy and legislation, trends, research, and issues impacting the arts, culture, and creativity in Wisconsin.

As the post-pandemic world comes into view, many industries in Wisconsin - including the creative sector - are facing historic challenges and opportunities. Each month, we’ll talk about the issues around those challenges and opportunities, such as workforce retention issues, funding changes, audience participation, and necessary opportunities to expand engagement and involvement.

Upcoming dates January-June 2023 - mark your calendar and watch for more info about each session:

• Friday, March 24

• Friday, April 28

• Friday, May 26

• Friday, June 23

Create Wisconsin and partners such as the Wisconsin Arts Board, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Wisconsin Humanities Council, and other statewide organizations and agencies, have hosted many local, regional and statewide meetings over the years, in person and online. These meetings are all about bringing together a diverse group of colleagues to discuss societal trends, partnerships and collaborations, business model shifts, funding sources, and other issues related to the health and well-being of people and communities statewide. These Conversations are important spaces to ensure resources reach communities, and to continue to advance advocacy within the creative sector to benefit everyone, everywhere in the state.

All sessions will be recorded and available on Create Wisconsin’s website and social media platforms after the dates.