Create Wisconsin and Imagine MKE invited all 2026 legislative candidates (1/2 of the State Senate – 17 odd-numbered seats – and all 99 Assembly seats are up for election) to respond to surveys about their vision for economic growth, arts, culture, and well-being for Wisconsin residents. The answers to these surveys equip voters with clear, actionable insights, elevate the role of arts and culture in economic and community development, and ensure that Wisconsin’s creative economy is part of campaign and policy discussions statewide.
Survey responses are updated as they come in and are shared publicly and broadly by Create Wisconsin and Imagine MKE across Wisconsin’s 72 counties through websites, social media channels, and partner communications, to inform voters and stakeholders.
Create Wisconsin and Imagine MKE do not endorse or oppose candidates for public office.
Here are the questions we asked—
Personal background: 76% of Americans believe the arts are personally important to them. Do you or an immediate family member(s) have experience in the arts?
Community engagement: Have you attended, partnered with, or supported any arts or cultural organizations in your district/state in the past two years?
Economic Growth: What policies would you prioritize to support economic growth and small businesses locally and statewide, including sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and arts and cultural organizations that contribute to local economies and quality of life?
Education: What are your top priorities for strengthening education outcomes in your district or state, and what role, if any, should arts education or creative learning opportunities—from pre-K through higher education—play in state education policy?
Workforce: Increasingly, Americans work as freelancers, independent contractors, or in other non-traditional employment arrangements—including artists and creative professionals. What state-level policies would you support to improve economic stability, access to health and retirement benefits, and professional opportunities for these workers?
