gener8tor Art stokes the creative economy

Wisconsin’s creative sector generates more than $10.8 billion in economic value and supports more than 90,000 jobs. Yet despite its contributions, the state ranks 50th in the nation for arts and culture funding.

Startup accelerator gener8tor is working to expand the potential of Wisconsin’s creative economy through its gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix programming. Designed for creative professionals, participants in the seven-week accelerator receive individualized mentorship to strengthen the business side of their creative practice and grants of up to $10,000 to support their emerging businesses.

Launched in 2019, the organization kicked off its tenth cohort on April 23. Members of the cohort are Caroline Calvano, a mixed-media sculpture artist; Billie Carter-Rankin, a visual artist who experiments with photography, darkroom processing, and archived images;  Zhiwan Cheung, a visual artist who uses sculpture, film, and performance to create; Christian Franczyk, a multimedia sculptor; and Brit Krohmer, a sculptor who works in clay.

Value of Wisconsin’s Creative Market

A recent review of Wisconsin’s creative economy, published by Arts Wisconsin and supported by data from the Wisconsin Creative Economy Coalition, reveals the untapped potential of the sector as an economic driver.

Creative industries in the state include nonprofit organizations, independent artists, and for-profit companies spanning design, publishing, film, music, and the performing and visual arts. These jobs contribute to a broader sector that brings in over half a billion dollars in household income and generates more than $75 million in tax revenue each year.

In terms of GDP, the arts and culture sector made up 2.9% of Wisconsin’s economy in 2022—down from a high of 4% in 2002. Nationally, the sector’s share fell more modestly, from 4.6% to 4.4% over the same period.

Growth in Wisconsin’s creative sector has also lagged behind national trends. Since 2020, the state has seen just 8.44% growth in the sector’s economic impact, compared to 14.43% growth nationally. This places Wisconsin 41st among U.S. states in creative economy growth.

The state’s low ranking in public arts funding is a consistent theme. In 2023, Wisconsin allocated just $0.14 per capita to arts and culture, trailing all 49 other states. Neighboring Minnesota and Illinois spent $7.34 and $5.04 per capita, respectively.

Wisconsin’s creative economy reflects both an opportunity and a challenge: a strong base of activity and impact, but comparatively low levels of support and growth. With the support of gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix, there is hope for a disruption in these trends.

To learn more about the gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix program, click here.