Creation and Presentation Program

The Creation and Presentation Program is administered by the Wisconsin Arts Board, a state agency dedicated to supporting the arts as a vital component of community development, cultural enrichment, and economic vitality across Wisconsin. The program is designed to provide operational and programmatic support to established nonprofit arts organizations that demonstrate a sustained commitment to artistic excellence and public engagement. The Arts Board aligns its funding with broader strategic goals that emphasize arts education, community participation, and strengthening the cultural infrastructure of the state. The primary purpose of this grant program is to support organizations whose central mission is the creation, production, or presentation of ongoing arts programming. This includes performances, exhibitions, and other artistic events that serve and benefit the general public. The program emphasizes not only artistic quality but also community impact, requiring applicants to demonstrate how their programming contributes to local, regional, or statewide cultural life. Eligible uses of funds include general operating support and programmatic expenses tied directly to artistic activities, while maintaining restrictions such as limiting Arts Board funding to no more than 25 percent of an organization’s overall budget. Eligibility for the program is limited to organizations that meet several strict criteria. Applicants must be incorporated and actively conducting business in Wisconsin, hold federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), and have a proven track record of consistent artistic programming for at least three consecutive years. Additionally, organizations must demonstrate financial stability, including an average annual revenue of at least $10,000 over the past three years. A mandatory cost-sharing requirement obligates applicants to match each dollar of grant funding with at least one dollar of non-state public or private funds, reinforcing financial sustainability and community investment. The program also accommodates colleges, universities, tribal governments, and public schools, provided their arts programming extends beyond academic audiences and actively engages the broader community. These entities must demonstrate public participation through funding sources, audience metrics, or governance structures that include community representation. Presenting organizations, defined as those that bring touring artists into their communities, must meet additional requirements, including hosting at least four performances annually by professional artists from outside their local area. The application process is conducted through the Wisconsin Arts Board’s online system. New applicants must first register and notify the Arts Board to gain access to application materials. A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is required for all applicants, though those who can demonstrate they have applied for a UEI prior to submission may still be considered. The program operates on a multi-year cycle, requiring a comprehensive Full Year application in one year followed by shorter Interim Year applications over the next three years. This structure allows for ongoing evaluation while reducing administrative burden. For the FY27 cycle, the application opens in July 2026, with an Intent to Apply deadline for new applicants on September 11, 2026, and a final application deadline of October 8, 2026. Award decisions are expected by December 14, 2026. Applications are evaluated based on past performance, organizational capacity, artistic quality, and community impact rather than future projections. Panel review meetings are publicly accessible, promoting transparency in the evaluation process. Overall, the Creation and Presentation Program represents a structured, recurring funding opportunity aimed at strengthening Wisconsin’s arts ecosystem through sustained investment in organizations that demonstrate both artistic excellence and meaningful community engagement. The combination of rigorous eligibility requirements, matching fund obligations, and multi-year evaluation ensures that funded organizations are both stable and impactful contributors to the state’s cultural landscape.

Emphasize past performance and demonstrated community impact; ensure strong financial documentation and matching funds; highlight community participation in planning and programming