Madison's Arts Future

press release: Candidates in Madison's 2019 mayoral primary will discuss their proposals for supporting arts and culture in a January 16 forum at the Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Avenue. The event, "Madison's Arts Future: A Mayoral Candidate Forum on the Arts, Culture and Creativity," runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is organized by Arts + Literature Laboratory and Tone Madison.

The arts play an essential role in Madison's identity, in the quality of Madisonians' lives, and in the local economy. Arts and culture nonprofits in Dane County provide $249.9 million in economic activity, according to a 2017 data analysis by Americans for the Arts. At the same time, Madison faces challenges in maintaining its role as a cultural center, providing adequate space for arts and music, and ensuring that creative people can afford to live in the city. That makes the arts an important part of the conversation when it comes to choosing Madison's elected leaders.

"Madison's Arts Future" is the only event during the course of the campaign that will focus exclusively on policy matters that impact the arts. Questions will touch on issues ranging from city-funded grants and initiatives to the need for more creative spaces in Madison.

All of the candidates appearing on the ballot in Madison's February 19 mayoral primary have been invited. Katie Hutchinson, co-host of WORT-FM's Another Green World radio show and a Tone Madison contributor, and Brian Standing, host of WORT's Monday 8 O'Clock Buzz talk program, will moderate the forum.

Madisonians can help support this event by donating or volunteering. For organizations and businesses wishing to sponsor the forum, click here for the organization sign up form. To make an individual donation, click here to donate through PayPal or credit card.

The forum will include questions designed to address the top arts concerns expressed by community members, who can submit their question ideas ahead of time via this Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1mdch0doEBvHvsjxn4zqlkwmIdD9id9Yxf6PxNv6UWVKWwg/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0-0I-zih7FbbRmMt0E6-AI3q0XOZ9FdSRsoz3wnq0DaNuRZgVlg2cJnSs

Attendees can also RSVP to and share this public Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/119134555704745/

About the presenting organizations:

Arts + Literature Laboratory (artlitlab.org) is a community-based arts center located at 2021 Winnebago Street, Madison, Wisconsin, in the heart of the Schenk-Atwood neighborhood. ALL offers year-round arts programs for all ages, including exhibitions, concerts, readings, film screenings, professional development workshops, and arts education for youth and adults.

Tone Madison (tonemadison.com) is an independent website that covers music and culture in Madison.