Madison’s first Rainbow Street Crossing

posted September 6, 2022 – 9:44pm

Ribbon Cutting Thursday

The City of Madison and Friends of Madison Arts Commission invite you to the ribbon cutting for Madison's first Rainbow Crossing, on Thursday, September 8 at 4:00pm. The celebration will take place at the beginning of the Madison Night Market at the top of State St where it intersects with the Capitol Square.

Since the fall of 2019, Former Alder Lindsay Lemmer and Alder Patrick Heck and City Staff have been working to create a program in which the City will place rainbow crosswalks in Madison if funding for the project is provided by contributions from the community. The top of State provides a test pilot of the program, a perfect opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community, and signal a welcoming and inclusive Madison.

This project would not have been possible without the dedication of The Friends of the Madison Arts Commission (FoMAC) who have raised the funds to make this project possible. FoMAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2020 to support the Madison Arts Commission’s efforts to encourage artistic activities and initiate cultural programs that integrate, support and advance arts and culture as an essential part of life in Madison.

FoMAC consists of a volunteer Board of Directors and arts supporters who take an active part in MAC events. Since its inception, FoMAC has focused its efforts on several projects.

Last year FoMAC financed 12 Utility Box art wraps, and selected art from the artists that contributed to the 2020 Downtown Street Art and Mural Project on State Street. Madison’s Utility Box Art Wrap program has wrapped over 65 boxes across the city since 2016.
FoMAC supported the Mildred Harnack Memorial located in Marshall Park
The Silver Lining Awards helped honor the creativity, dedication, and perseverance in the arts and community that brought silver-linings to our city during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2022 FoMAC supported the Rainbow Street Crossing that is opening September 8.

“Since 2010, over 20 North American cities have implemented rainbow crosswalks to celebrate their local LGBTQIA+ community. Many people with such crosswalks in their communities feel they serve as an affirming symbol to the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies, as well as serving as a metaphor for the journey LGBTQIA+ people have traveled from discrimination to tolerance and acceptance towards full inclusion and equality. We are delighted to join those other cities with this project.” – Kia Karlen, Chair of FoMAC