Last year, Wisconsin ranked last in the country for public funding of the arts – a sobering reality that underscores the importance of support for historic institutions like the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC). While MPAC continues to host outstanding performances and provide arts education and enrichment programming, donations are more critical than ever.
MPAC provides arts experiences to over 300,000 people each year. “I still remember attending my first student matinee at the Marcus Center,” says Lory Bowman, MPAC’s vice president of marketing and communications. “We hear countless stories from people whose first exposure to the arts happened here. That’s why we’re so committed to ensuring the arts remain accessible and affordable for all.”
Sustaining this level of impact requires community support. MPAC’s current fall campaign is an opportunity to support the city’s cultural cornerstone. MPAC is also preparing to launch a capital campaign to enhance its key spaces. Planned renovations include updates to the Todd Wehr Theater, home to First Stage, which offers theater experiences designed for young audiences and families.
“Through this campaign, we will renovate and create spaces and experiences that reduce many of the barriers to the arts,” says Megan Huse, MPAC’s vice president of development. “Our multi-year plan focuses on projects that will reinvigorate spaces for greater accessibility, enhance audience experiences, and take art beyond our walls by bringing vibrant art to the public before they even step foot inside our space.”
What We Do
- The Marcus Performing Arts Center is a performing arts venue, community gathering space, and cultural hub in Milwaukee. It provides diverse arts experiences to over 300,000 people annually.
Where Your Money Goes
- Donations help support the art on MPAC’s stages, as well as community events and educational programs.
- Donations allow MPAC to offer educational, accessible, and inclusive arts experience to the entire community. Your donation brings joy, removes barriers to the arts, fosters creativity, diversity, and inclusion, and educates the next generation through the performing arts.
Marcus Performing Arts Center
929 N. Water St. | 414-273-7206
marcuscenter.org
