Wisconsin Budget FY2025-2027 recap
Create Wisconsin’s 2025 Legislative Agenda called for a three-pronged strategy to invest in the arts, culture, and creativity: more funding for arts opportunities through the Wisconsin Arts Board; establishment of a state film office and film incentives; and creation of a creative economy development program for rural growth, which would lead to such a program for the entire state. Gov. Evers’ proposed 2025-2027 budget, launched in February 2025, included these initiatives to grow and strengthen Wisconsin’s arts and creative sector.
At a time when cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute for Museum and Library Services, and drastic reductions to state arts councils’ budgets in Missouri and New Hampshire, are having a devastating effect on arts and cultural opportunities nationwide, Wisconsin’s arts and creative advocates made a difference during this budget season. Advocates throughout the state worked with Create Wisconsin and local, regional and state partners to connect with the Governor and Legislature and gain support for these initiatives. Meetings, messages, and hearing testimony encouraged expansion of the arts and creative economy in every corner of the state, and the advocacy made a difference. Thanks to all who shared stories and data!
The final budget was signed by the Governor at 1:32 am on July 3, 2025, and contains these arts and creative economy investments:
1. Increased investment in Wisconsin’s arts and culture sector: The budget provides $1,183,000 in funding for the Wisconsin Arts Board, unlocking a full 1:1 match of federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Included in the budget is an additional $100,000 in targeted funding to support:
$25,000 for America’s 250th: These funds will support local arts and cultural projects (for small and midsize communities) celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, ensuring Wisconsin communities are part of this historic milestone.
$75,000 for Arts and Health: This funding will help launch “social prescriptions”—programs where healthcare providers can refer individuals to creative arts experiences (such as museum visits, music or dance classes, or theater engagement) as part of holistic health care and mental well-being strategies.
The Governor included a significant increase to the Arts Board’s base budget, which was kept in the proposed budget by the Legislature until the end of the process, but ultimately was not included in the final version.
2. Film incentives and film office: We’re thrilled at this exciting leap forward for the state’s creative growth: the budget establishes a State Film Office within the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, provides funding for a position in the new office, and offers up to $5 million in film production and investment tax credits during each fiscal year. Go to www.actionwi.org for the latest information.
3. Rural Creative Economy Development Program: The proposed Rural Creative Economy Grant Program, which will invest in the cultural and economic vitality from the ground up, was not included in the final version of this biennial budget. The good news is that Create Wisconsin is working with legislative champions to further policy and strategy to establish this program as a service and funding resource for creative economy development, so this program is on its way towards becoming reality.
A great deal of progress was made during the budget season, but we have a lot of work to do to make the case and achieve a real investment in arts, creative, and cultural infrastructure vital to civic well-being and economic vibrancy.
Through the development of innovative policy solutions, influential alliances, and a pragmatic political strategy for the long-term, Create Wisconsin is effectively cultivating a growing awareness among state lawmakers that Wisconsin-based organizations, individuals and businesses whose programs, products and services make arts and cultural opportunities accessible to residents and visitors play a crucial role in promoting economic prosperity and civic well-being. Working with a broad, statewide coalition, Create Wisconsin will continue to advance strategies with decision-makers to increase arts and culture investment essential to Wisconsin’s economic growth, quality of life, and well-being.
Watch Create Wisconsin’s website and social media (Facebook/Instagram @createwis and LinkedIn @ Create Wisconsin) for info and actions as we have them.
Keep in touch with questions and ideas! Contact Anne Katz, Director, 608 255 8316 | akatz@createwisconsin.org.
updated 7-11-25
