Creativity and innovation have long been major drivers of Madison's unique character and its economic base. They are woven into our sense of place. Just as it is important to plan the ways in which the city supports neighborhoods, it is important to plan the ways in which it's policies and resources support creativity and innovation.

Madison Cultural Plan

The 2013 Madison Cultural Plan explores the arts, history, and the sciences and includes exploration of the work of individual artists and creative workers as well as institutions in both the commercial and nonprofit sectors. The plan intentionally defines culture broadly. It includes, for example, individuals and organizations who are students, amateurs, and professionals working in such varied fields as artisan food production; digital production; architecture; history and heritage; traditional, experimental; and fine arts; scientific research; software and hardware development; advertising; publishing; gardening; entertainment, environmental programming; and so forth. If creative content drives the work an individual or organization does, it was included in this plan.

View the Madison Cultural Plan

Performing Arts Study

In March 2013 the City of Madison began a study to assess Madison's performing arts environment, including a review of the performing arts community, facilities, existing and potential audiences and funding scenarios. Webb Management Services and WolfBrown, the consulting team hired to conduct the study, have spent many months working with a steering committee to interview and survey a range of constituents, including artists and arts managers, political and business leaders, educators and other community members. The purpose of their research is to collect information that will enable us to understand the current state of the performing arts and suggest the facilities, infrastructure and partnerships required to effectively attract, engage and serve Madison and regional residents. They presented a draft of their findings report to the Steering Committee on September 30, 2013.

• Webb Findings Report Draft
• Webb Findings Report Appendices Draft

Performing Arts Organizations, explore the dashboard tool and gain valuable insights for audience development and marketing.

• Dashboard Tool
• Dashboard User Guidelines

Arts & Economic Prosperity IV in Dane County

Arts & Economic Prosperity IV provides compelling new evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture are a significant industry in Dane County--one that generates $145.5 million in total economic activity. This spending--$69.2 million by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and an additional $76.3 million in event-related spending by their audiences--supports 5,119 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $97.3 million in household income to local residents, and delivers $13.8 million in local and state government revenue. This economic impact study sends a strong signal that when we support the arts, we not only enhance our quality of life, but we also invest in Dane County's economic well-being.

• Report
• Summary