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Midwest State Arts Agencies Convene in Madison

by Anne Romens

A group of people in Madison's capital house
Members of Arts Midwest and the Midwest State Arts Agencies pose in the Wisconsin State Capitol.

In March 2024, the Wisconsin Arts Board welcomed Arts Midwest and fellow Midwest state arts agencies to Madison for a summit on partnership, innovation, and our collective commitment to the region.

Arts Midwest had the pleasure of gathering with our state arts agency partners in Madison, Wisconsin from March 20-22, 2024. 

Thoughtfully hosted by our partners at the Wisconsin Arts Board, this gathering welcomed Executive Directors from Iowa Arts Council, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Indiana Arts Commission, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, Ohio Arts Council, North Dakota Council on the Arts, and South Dakota Arts Council. 

Part of Arts Midwest’s commitment to bringing the nine Midwest state arts agencies together to connect and discuss needs and opportunities across the region, this summit was facilitated by Mary Margaret Schoenfeld, a longtime partner, strategist, and colleague. Our agenda spanned conversations about our shared programs and goals; new framing around innovation and cross sector work; and reminders of the public value framework that sits at the core of state arts agency work.  

A man stands in front of a colorful mural celebrating Latino culture.
Photo Credit: Patrick Baker
Andrew Hanus, Illuminating Discovery Hub Director, gives a tour of the Wisconsin Institute of Discovery.
A woman sits on a bench next to a big metal Cat in the Hat
Photo Credit: Patrick Baker
North Dakota Council on the Arts Executive Director Kim Konikow poses with a Dr. Seuss statue.
A group of 10 people pose for a selfie in the Wisconsin State Capitol
Photo Credit: Anne Romens
Anne Romens and members of the Midwest State Arts Agencies pose in the Wisconsin State Capitol
A wall display showing Epic's evolution as a software
Photo Credit: Patrick Baker
A wall display showing Epic’s evolution as a software.
A ornate building with marble pillars and a high domed ceiling
Photo Credit: Anne Romens
An interior shot of the Wisconsin State Capitol

Highlights from our time together include conversations at the Overture Center, the Wisconsin State Capitol, the Wisconsin Institute of Discovery, and an inspiring visit to healthcare software provider EPIC Systems.

We also enjoyed the chance to connect with local Madison colleagues, including Karen Goeschko of Wisconsin Arts Board, Emily Grunewald of the Overture Center, Anne Katz of Create Wisconsin, and Sarah Marty of the Bolz Center for Arts Administration. Thank you all for joining us and sharing more about your important work in Madison and the region.

We extend a heartfelt thanks to George Tzougros, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Arts Board, and his team for such an inspiring time in Madison. We also want to give a huge thank you to Wyeth Michaelsen for bringing us to EPIC and for the amazing tour of the campus and art collection.

As always, this time together is invaluable to our work – deepening our partnership, our understanding of this vast region, and experiencing the innovation at work in Wisconsin.