On October 14th, community members gathered virtually to discuss the impact of arts and culture in Portage County. Hosted by Sarah Ross, Director of Community Grants and the Women’s Fund, the Community Lunch Hour panel of local leaders explored both the present and future impact of creative initiatives in the region. The conversation centered on how arts and culture drive economic growth, community cohesion, and engagement in Central Wisconsin.
Economic Benefits of the Arts. William Schierl, co-founder of the Arts & Culture Fund, opened the conversation by referencing data on how arts events drive local spending. From ticket sales to dining out, he explained that every dollar spent on cultural activities ripples through the local economy, benefiting businesses and creating jobs. “Supporting the arts means supporting our economy,” William emphasized.
Building Community Through Art. Ben Nusz, Board Chair of CREATE Portage County, spoke about how arts events like the Levitt AMP concert series strengthen community ties. He explained that arts initiatives help create a sense of place where people feel connected and proud to live, which makes the area more attractive to residents and businesses alike.
Supporting Local Creatives. Kristin Hubbard Dostal, Executive Director of CREATE Portage County, shared success stories of local entrepreneurs who have turned creative ideas into thriving businesses with the help of community arts spaces. She emphasized how nurturing local talent benefits individuals and the broader community through job creation and economic growth.
Small Communities, Big Impact. UW-Stevens Point Associate Professor Alex Ingersoll reflected on how Portage County’s smaller size allows for deeper, more impactful creative projects. He noted that the close-knit nature of the community makes it easier for creatives to collaborate and produce meaningful work, something harder to achieve in larger, more dispersed cities.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities. The discussion also spotlighted upcoming opportunities for community members to get involved. Kayla Dunn, director of the “Nutcracker Jazzed” performance, encouraged attendees to participate in the annual fundraiser and volunteer for local arts events. Dunn highlighted how these events not only enrich the local cultural scene but also offer unique ways for residents to contribute to the arts.
Looking Forward. The Community Lunch Hour conversation demonstrated the pivotal role of arts and culture in building stronger, more connected communities. Attendees left with new insights on how to support local creatives and engage with the arts in the year ahead.
Ready to Support Arts & Culture in Portage County?
Whether you’re looking to attend, volunteer, or contribute, there are many ways to get involved. Take action today:
- WATCH the full CLH discussion on the impact of arts and culture in our community
- GIVE to the Arts & Culture Mission Fund to strengthen the creative economy
- PURCHASE your Nutcracker Jazzed tickets today
- CONNECT with CREATE Portage County to get the pulse on upcoming initiatives, artist meetups, and cultural programs.
- SIGN UP for our newsletter to stay updated on future events and opportunities to engage with the arts
- REGISTER for our next Community Lunch Hour to continue the conversation on key issues in our region.