WAB's mission statement declares that it “is the state agency which nurtures creativity, cultivates expression, promotes the arts, supports the arts in education, stimulates community and economic development and serves as a resource for people of every cultural heritage.” [1] The statutory agency known as the WAB was preceded by the privately funded Wisconsin Arts Foundation and Council (WAFC).
In 1965, the newly elected Governor Warren P. Knowles dissolved the Governor's Council of the Arts and designated the WAFC as “the official state coordinating group of the arts.” [2] Under its new designation the WAFC continued the Governor's Awards and received a study grant from the National Endowment of the Arts to investigate the formation of a state funded arts council.
In 1967–1968, Governor Knowles introduced a bill to establish a state supported arts council, but the measure was tabled.
[2] Under the urging of the WAC, Governor Patrick Lucey introduced a clause into the 1973-1975 budget bill to create and publicly fund a state arts council.
In 2003, In partnership with the Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures (CSUMC), the Arts Board convened educators and folklorists at Folklore Village in Dodgeville.
Staff immediately initiated virtual listening and resource sessions in partnership with Arts Wisconsin.
[8] According to Chapter 41 Subchapter IV of the 2021-22 Wisconsin Statutes and Annotations [9] WAB's powers and duties are as follows: (a) Continually study the artistic and cultural activities within the state.
Costs in excess of $10,000 per portrait may be charged to the appropriation under s. 20.380 (3) (c) only with the prior approval of the joint committee on finance.
(i) Administer challenge grant programs for the purpose of encouraging the fund-raising efforts of arts organizations.
(j) Annually pay to the Milwaukee Foundation, Inc., for deposit in the High Point fund, the amount appropriated under s. 20.380 (3) (e).
(2) The board may: (a) Enter into contracts with individuals, organizations, units of government and institutions for services furthering the development of the arts and humanities.
[10] Board members are Wisconsin citizens from all areas of the state and are appointed by the governor to serve a three-year term.
[1] Brian Kelsey, Chairperson, Fish Creek Lynn Richie, Vice Chairperson, Land O' Lakes Jayne Herring, Secretary, Kenosha Marcela "Xela" Garcia, Milwaukee Karen Ann Hoffman, Stevens Point John W. Johnson, Madison Susan Lipp, Madison Dinorah Márquez Abadiano, Milwaukee William Mitchell, Lancaster John H. Potter, Hudson Gerard Randall, Milwaukee Mary K. Reinders, Mount Horeb Rafael Francisco Salas, Ripon Jennifer Schwarzkopf, Fitchburg Matthew Wallock, Madison [1][11] The Arts Board is funded by the state of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Twenty years ago, Wisconsin was typical among the 50 states, investing a healthy amount of money towards arts funding.