Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 10 am - 4 pm
At the Shell Lake Arts Center, 802 1st Street, Shell Lake, WI
Click here for more information and to register

Collaboration, Community, and Creativity: Rural Arts and Creativity Forum 2023

Everyone involved in the arts, creativity, and community - which means everyone who cares about Wisconsin’s future - is invited to join colleagues and friends in northwestern Wisconsin, to discuss and celebrate new beginnings at the 2023 Rural Arts and Creativity Forum, on Wednesday, June 28, in Shell Lake. 

This year’s Forum will take place at the Shell Lake Arts Center in Shell Lake, WI, a renowned summer music program where students further their artistry and skills with master musicians/teachers. The Forum is hosted by Create Wisconsin, Wisconsin Arts Board, and the Shell Lake Arts Center.

The Forum has a 30+ year history bringing together leaders involved in the arts, business, economic development, education, government, and politics, to share stories, issues, and ideas on how to grow the region creatively and help creative people, businesses and communities flourish.  Now, as the post-pandemic world takes shape, the work is even more important, to discuss and deliberate collaboration, community, transformation and opportunities ahead.

Agenda (subject to change)

• Starting at 9 am - registration, connecting, refreshments

• 10 am - welcome and introductions - we’ll take the time we need for everyone to introduce themselves 

• 11 am - Resources for Rural Creative Investment:  presentations and discussion 

• Jeff Anderson, Regional Representative, Wisconsin Department of Tourism

• Jerry Exterovich, Regional Representative, WEDC Office of Rural Prosperity

• Lisa Paulson, USDA Rural Development Wisconsin

• 12:30 pm - lunch with music program students!

• 1:30 pm - Collaboration, Community, and Creativity

• Mary Motiff, Mayor of Washburn/League of Wisconsin Municipalities

• George Tzougros, Wisconsin Arts Board

• Anne Katz, Create Wisconsin

• 2:30 pm - roundtables and action discussions - pondering these and other questions:

• Assets:  what are some of the great things, big and small, going on arts and creativity-wise in your community/region?  Please think of at least five, but the list is endless.

• Opportunities:  what are at least three things that can  be done - individually and/or collectively - to encourage creative development, collaboration, and investment?  Again, feel free to list as many as you can generate.

• Actions:  How are YOU involved in making things happen?  What groups, collaboratives, leaders, and activists are and should be involved in addressing creative sector growth, investment, and access?  Who’s not in the room today and should be involved/included?

• 4 pm - adjourn

There will be plenty of time to share events, questions, ideas, and possibilities with one another. Admission, coffee, and lunch are free and open to all. Registration is not required, but it is useful to know how many people to plan for.

Celebrate opportunities, connections, ideas, friends, and inspiration at the 2023 Rural Arts and Creativity Forum.

Questions?  Contact Anne Katz, Create Wisconsin, info@createwisconsin.org