Staff from the Washburn Cultural Center recently had the opportunity to speak with the Art Director from ARTS for ALL Wisconsin, an organization based out of Madison that works to support artists with disabilities across the state through exhibiting opportunities and arts programming.

As we learned of the organization’s history and mission, we began thinking about how to connect the Chequamegon Bay area’s artists with this wonderful resource. As many who have spoken with us over the past year or read our most recent newsletter may know, the Washburn Cultural Center is committed to expanding its creative relationships in the area. In envisioning the WCC as a regional arts center and nexus of connection for local makers, we have been seeking out ways to broaden the communities and identities that interact with our space. ARTS for ALL is a statewide facilitator for representation and engagement in the arts for Wisconsinites with disabilities, and it is our hope to connect those in our area with their resources.

One of the most impressive programs that ARTS for ALL hosts is an annual open call for visual art and poetry open to anyone identifying as disabled across the state of Wisconsin. All submissions will be displayed at their Madison gallery space, giving any artist with a disability a platform for celebration and exposure. A jury of arts professionals selects 10 artworks from the call to receive a Creative Power Award and the opportunity to have the work bought by ARTS for ALL to be added to the CREATIVE POWER collection, which exhibits around the state as part of their traveling exhibition. The Washburn Cultural Center is poised to be a future host of CREATIVE POWER in 2024-2025, but first we want to establish representation from the Chequamegon Bay Area in ARTS for ALL’s programs.

But how do we do that? This is where you come in, dear reader! The Washburn Cultural Center needs your help spreading the word to artists with disabilities in northern Wisconsin, especially in our neck of the woods. We encourage all who are reading this post to share it so we can reach as many creatives with disabilities as possible so that they can utilize ARTS for ALL’s resources and hopefully display work at the WCC when we host CREATIVE POWER down the line.

If you or someone you know is interested in submitting artwork to this year’s open call, the deadline has recently been extended to March 1st, and we encourage anyone who identifies as having a disability over the age of 5 to submit.

• Have questions about ARTS for ALL Wisconsin’s resources & programs? Contact Arts Director Peter Bovenmyer at: peter@artsforallwi.org

• Are you a local community organization comprised of or working in service of people with disabilities? We’d love to connect with you for future creative collaborations. Send us an email at washburnculturalcenter@gmail.com

See the below document to learn more about ARTS for ALL or visit their website.