Wisconsin Budget FY2025-2027 recap
Create Wisconsin’s 2025 Legislative Agenda called for a three-pronged strategy to invest in arts, culture, and creativity:
More arts and cultural opportunities statewide through increased investment in the Wisconsin Arts Board
Establishment of a state film office and film incentives
Creation of a rural creative economy development program, as a model for statewide expansion.
We were pleased that Governor Evers’ proposed FY2025–2027 budget, introduced in February 2025, included all three initiatives to grow and strengthen Wisconsin’s arts and creative sector and engage people in the arts and culture, everywhere in the state.
At a time when federal funding cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute for Museum and Library Services - as well as deep reductions to state arts councils in Missouri and New Hampshire - are devastating arts and cultural opportunities nationwide, Wisconsin advocates made a difference. Throughout the budget season, advocates connected with the Governor and Legislature to urge support for these priorities. Create Wisconsin provided strategy, information sessions, data and talking points, events, and actions to help make the case. Efforts like Create Wisconsin Day, legislative meetings, messages, and hearing testimony underscored and highlighted the value and impact of the arts and creative economy across the state.
Thanks to the thousands of people who shared stories and data with decision-makers—your advocacy mattered.
On July 3, 2025, at 1:32 a.m., Governor Evers signed the final budget into law. Here are the key arts and creative economy investments:
1. Increased Funding for Arts and Culture
The budget allocates $1,183,000 for the Wisconsin Arts Board, including $34,300 in FY2026 and $79,400 in FY2027 in new funding to unlock a full 1:1 federal match from the NEA. In addition, the Arts Board will receive new, one-time federal funding, to be matched by the state, for these projects:
$25,000 for America’s 250th: Supporting arts and cultural projects in small and midsize communities to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
$75,000 for Arts and Health: Launching “social prescriptions” programs, where healthcare providers refer patients to creative arts experiences to support mental health and well-being.
The Governor's proposed significant base-budget increase for the Arts Board was maintained through most of the legislative process, but ultimately excluded from the final budget despite strong advocacy.
2. Film Office & Film Incentives
A major step forward for Wisconsin’s creative economy:
Establishes a State Film Office within the Department of Tourism.
Funds a staff position for the office (starting Oct. 1, 2025).
Provides up to $5 million annually in film production and investment tax credits.
Work is already underway to set up the office and build a platform for updates to the film community. As Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers noted: “This item is getting incredible interest. Funding for this position does not begin until Oct. 1, so we are asking for patience as we begin to rebuild the Wisconsin Film Office. Our first order of business is to create a platform whereby interested parties can sign up to be notified of future film updates. Please stay tuned for that update in your inbox.”
For more info about the film incentives, visit: www.actionwi.org.
3. Rural Creative Economy Development Program
Although the proposed Rural Creative Economy Grant Program was not included in the final budget, Create Wisconsin is actively working with legislative champions to advance this initiative as a statewide service and funding resource for creative economy development.
And...
In addition, the budget includes a significant increase for marketing by the Department of Tourism. This funding will be used to promote the state brand, which of course includes the arts, culture, and creativity.
Click here for budget recap messages from the Wisconsin Arts Board and Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
Looking Ahead
This year’s hard work by advocates was impressive, but we are keenly aware that much remains to be done to secure sustained public investment in the arts, creativity, and cultural infrastructure—key to Wisconsin’s civic vitality and economic growth.
Advocacy doesn’t stop when the budget is passed—it’s a daily effort. In this uncertain time, it's more important than ever that advocates stay involved and active.
We’re preparing for more engagement during the ongoing legislative session, setting the stage for candidate education during the critical November 2026 legislative elections, and robust advocacy for the next budget cycle, and continuing to connect with and build a broad statewide coalition and national partners to advance these priorities.
Through innovative policy, influential alliances, and pragmatic strategy, Create Wisconsin continues to raise awareness among decision-makers about the vital role arts, culture, and creativity play in economic prosperity and community well-being.
Creativity powers Wisconsin. It drives our economy, strengthens our communities, and enriches lives. But creativity doesn’t just happen — it needs champions. It needs you. We’ll keep you updated and engaged every step of the way. Please stay connected:
📱 Facebook & Instagram: @createwis | LinkedIn: @Create Wisconsin
Keep in touch with questions and ideas! Contact Anne Katz, Director, 608 255 8316 | akatz@createwisconsin.org.
updated 7-16-25
