What is ArtsBuild?
We are a regional advocacy, technical assistance and networking program for all types of creative entrepreneurs – such as visual artists, composers, musicians, writers, actors, dancers, and choreographers. We connect artists and arts leaders throughout southwest Wisconsin.
How do we operate?
We take a grassroots approach to everything we do.
Join our on-line directory - it’s free!
We’re in the middle of working on a significant enhancement to our directory of artists and resources. For now, to join our directory, click on the “Participant Questionnaire” box (left navigation area) and fill in your basic information. Also e-mail a photo of your work, a photo of yourself, and an artist’s statement to artsbuild@yahoo.com. The new directory will show your photos as well as your statement and basic information.
Contact us!
Call the ArtsBuild program coordinator, Carole Spelic’, at 608-342-1314 or email her at spelicc@uwplatt.edu. She’s happy to answer your questions.
A bit of history
ArtsBuild, launched in April 2004, started as an economic development initiative funded through UW-Extension’s Continuing Education Outreach division at UW-Platteville. Rural boy wonder Ricky Rolfsmeyer is widely considered to be the “initiator” of ArtsBuild. Ricky worked with two of the Office of Continuing Education staff members, Rick Morgan and Kerie Wedige, to write the original proposal, which featured using the arts to foster economic development in Southwest Wisconsin. Heidi Dyas-McBeth served as Coordinator from when ArtsBuild was established until May, 2008, when Carole Spelic’ took over. Carole has been an active ArtsBuild participant since the very first ArtsBuild community listening session in Platteville in 2004. She is a visual artist, musician, gallerist and teacher. (Heidi has moved on to co-ownership of the charming “Driftless Market” on Main Street in Platteville, which provides fabulous fresh food, local artwork and hand-made products.)
Accolades
ArtsBuild has been recognized as an innovative and effective program and has built a reputation of excellence – being recognized as the “Top Rural Development Initiative” by Wisconsin Rural Partners in 2006, with an “Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement” from UW-Extension, also in 2006, and as a “Regional Economy Builder” by the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Coalition in 2008. The focus of these honors has been on ArtsBuild’s success in “increasing the business capacity of arts entrepreneurs and helping communities realize the importance of arts to a vital economy.”
A word from the Director
Marian Maciej-Hiner says: “As Director of Continuing Education at UW-Platteville, I appreciate the opportunity to be part of the “creative economy” movement in the region and the state. I have learned a great deal from working with ArtsBuild and being on the Board of Directors for Arts Wisconsin. It is gratifying to know that our work is supported by Lt. Governor Lawton and our area’s legislators, and by Chancellor Markee at UW-Platteville – who supports ArtsBuild financially as well as through his work on campus to promote the visibility of the arts. It was an honor to have ArtsBuild named as a partner organization by the Wisconsin Arts Board last year – which includes receiving support from the Arts Board, and affirmation that we serve in a valuable role by connecting them with the artists in this region.