Wisconsin Arts Board — Creation and Presentation Program (FY27 application calendar)

This is annual programme and operating money for Wisconsin arts organisations that already have a track record — an orchestra, a chamber series, a concert presenter, a festival with a nonprofit behind it. Individual musicians cannot apply; the applicant must be an organisation whose main purpose is creating or presenting arts programming for the public. University, college, tribal and local-government arts programmes can apply for their arts programme specifically, provided the local community is genuinely involved and the audience goes beyond an academic one.

To be eligible you need three consecutive years of consistent artistic activity, 501(c)(3) status, incorporation in Wisconsin, an average of at least $10,000 in annual revenue over three years, and a Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov. There is a hard one-to-one match requirement: every Arts Board dollar must be matched with non-state public or private money, and the Board will not fund more than 25% of your total budget. Presenting organisations must run four or more performances a year by touring professionals from outside their community.

The Board does not publish a maximum award. It will not fund capital equipment, fundraisers, prizes, competitions, out-of-state travel, hospitality, past deficits, or activities closed to the public. You must also choose between this programme and Creative Communities — applying to both is not allowed.

For the FY27 round, new applicants file an intent to apply on 11 September 2026 at 3pm, and applications close 15 October 2026 at 3pm, with decisions from mid-December. It runs on a four-year cycle: one Full Year application and three lighter Interim Year check-ins. Peer review panels are livestreamed publicly and past sessions are online.