January 12, 2026
Marcus Performing Arts Center

11:30- Networking 
12:00 - 1:30pm - Meeting

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Advancing Fiscal Sustainability for Milwaukee’s Arts & Culture Institutions

 

Milwaukee’s arts and culture ecosystem is at a critical inflection point. With philanthropic resources tightening and state funding remaining stagnant, organizations must explore new strategies to ensure long-term financial resilience. This meeting will bring together leaders from across the sector to discuss innovative, practical approaches to operating more sustainably in today’s challenging climate.

With local organizations as key examples, we will examine how major institutions are adapting—balancing capital needs, evolving business models, and diversifying revenue streams.

 

Speakers include:

• Kevin Giglinto, Marcus Performing Arts Center

• Jodi Gibson, Zoological Society

• Ellen Censky, Milwaukee Public Museum

• Christine Hojnacki, Imagine MKE

• Rob Henken, Herzfeld Foundation

 

Topics will include opportunities for shared services, new partnership models, long-term audience development strategies, revenue innovation, and approaches to stabilizing operations during periods of transition.

Participants will engage in a candid conversation about what is required to safeguard Milwaukee’s cultural assets for future generations, and how institutions can strengthen their impact while reducing fiscal vulnerability. This session aims to surface actionable ideas, foster cross-organizational collaboration, and build momentum toward a more sustainable arts and culture landscape for our region.