6 Passionate Organizations Contributing To The Culture Of Wisconsin
Those who consider Wisconsin to be "flyover country" are missing out on a thriving culture with plenty of great places to see theater, hear symphonies, and delve into history. The performing arts spaces and museums listed here are just a few of the great cultural institutions that The Badger State has to offer. If you live in the area or are planning a trip there, these organizations are worth checking out. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Cultural Institutions In Wisconsin
| Organization | Mission |
|---|---|
| American Players Theatre | Perform timeless, challenging poetic texts, with Shakespeare at the center, to the broadest audience possible |
| Wisconsin Veterans Museum | Acknowledge, commemorate, and affirm the role of Wisconsin veterans in the United States of America's military past and present |
| Wright in Wisconsin | Promote, protect, and preserve the heritage of Frank Lloyd Wright, his vision and his architecture, as well as the work of his apprentices, Taliesin Associated Architects, and like-minded architects |
| Madison Symphony Orchestra | Produce high quality concerts of orchestral, instrumental, vocal, and choral music, educate and entertain audiences of all ages in the Madison area and beyond, and advocate music as a universal language of expression and understanding |
| Danceworks | Enhance joy, health, and creativity by engaging the community through dance |
| Children's Theater of Madison | Create vibrant theater experiences that engage, educate, and inspire young people and their communities |
Ways To Engage In Lifelong Learning
- Visit a museum
- Read both fiction and non-fiction as often as you can
- Teach others what you know
- Explore new places
- Start a creative project, like a vlog or podcast
- Get a good desk for your home
- Join a study group
- Take a hike through nature
- Listen to different types of music
- Look up words you don't know in the dictionary
8 Great Films About The Arts
- I, Don Giovanni (2009)
- Black Swan (2010)
- Frida (2002)
- All About Eve (1950)
- Birdman (2014)
- Basquiat (1996)
- Bullets Over Broadway (1994)
- Amadeus (1984)
Fun Activities for Music Lovers
- Go to the opera
- Learn an instrument, like piano or guitar
- Get a decorative music box for your home
- Go to a concert or symphony
- Take your music on-the-go with a pair of headphones or a portable speaker
- Learn more about music theory
- Invite your friends over to listen to records
The History Of Milwaukee
In Depth
Even with technology giving us the ability to watch anything we want at home, interacting with others in appreciation of art and culture is a vital part of having a connected society. Encouraging young people to learn the history of their birthplace or inspiring a love of music is difficult work, and thankfully, there are many organizations in Wisconsin rising to the challenge. In no particular order, here are six groups focused on enriching the lives of people in the state.
Starting off the list at #1 is the American Players Theatre. Located just outside of Spring Green, the facilities feature an amphitheater with more than 1,000 seats, along with the more intimate indoor Touchstone Theatre. One of the largest outdoor venues in the country devoted to performing the classics, APT produces nine plays every summer and fall against a backdrop of nature on its gorgeous 110 acres.
APT strives to perform timeless works to the broadest audience possible, with a particular focus on Shakespeare. The grounds are also registered as a Monarch Waystation, providing necessary resources to monarch butterflies. Patrons who make tax-deductible contributions receive benefits such as priority ordering, complimentary tickets, and invitations to special members-only events.
APT strives to perform timeless works to the broadest audience possible, with a particular focus on Shakespeare.
At #2 is the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, which has operated for more than 100 years to chronicle the stories of the state's military veterans from the Civil War to present day. Visitors are treated to exhibitions featuring rare artifacts, full-scale dioramas, and interactive elements that cover more than 10,000 square feet. There are also full-scale aircraft such as an assault helicopter from the Vietnam War. Galleries are consistently updated to provide new information and experiences.
Beyond providing an enlightening afternoon for guests, the museum also takes on the important task of chronicling the oral histories of those from the state who fought for America. Enthusiasts with an academic interest can search online and read transcripts of interviews. The best way to help out the museum is to plan a visit, or join as a member to help preserve the memories of veterans from Wisconsin.
The #3 pick is Wright in Wisconsin, which works to promote and preserve the heritage of Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices in the state. The group operates the Wright and Like tour, which provides the public with the rare opportunity to view private homes designed by the renowned architect. The tour has touched on different parts of the state each year, ensuring its continued value to those who take part.
The tour has touched on different parts of the state each year, ensuring its continued value to those who take part.
One of the organization's initiatives is the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, a series of nine public sites across southern Wisconsin. Fans of these legendary and innovative buildings are encouraged to participate by visiting all of these sites on a single road trip or over the course of the summer. In addition to donations, supporters can help out by volunteering at the Wright and Like tour, which helps the group raise the funds it needs to continue its work protecting and promoting these sites.
#4 is the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Active for more than 90 seasons, the symphony performs to over 23,000 people annually. In addition to performances of classic works by famous composers like Chopin and Debussy, the stage is also home to special organ concerts, as well as the Madison Symphony Chorus, which features 125 volunteer musicians and vocalists.
One hour prior to each masterworks concert, guests are invited to Prelude Discussions, which aim to demystify the music being performed. Free to all ticket holders, these half-hour talks encourage new visitors to start their education in this art form. One way supporters can help the orchestra is by attending the Symphony Gala, a special evening that supports the MSO's education and community engagement programs.
Free to all ticket holders, these half-hour talks encourage new visitors to start their education in this art form.
The #5 selection is Danceworks. This Milwaukee-based company strives to engage the community through dance, and has done so for more than 25 years. It is committed to taking its art beyond the studio in order to connect with diverse groups of people. It also has an experimental initiative for local and national artists known as DanceLAB, which pushes audiences to expand their thinking about the limits of dance as a method of creative expression.
The studio features more than 90 weekly dance and fitness classes for both children and adults. Through programs like Mad Hot Ballroom, professionals go into local schools to provide arts and physical education to youth in Milwaukee-area schools. The Danceworks Generations program encourages students to build relationships with local seniors. Volunteers are always needed to ensure this work goes beyond the theater and into the lives of citizens.
Rounding out the list at #6 is the Children's Theater of Madison. Founded in 1965, this local institution is the city's premier venue for families. One of the organization's driving principles is ensuring it is accessible to all ages, income levels, and abilities. That's why there are shows at various price points, including some free performances, and productions with American Sign Language interpreters for the hearing impaired. At least two productions a year include special sensory-friendly elements for children with autism.
At least two productions a year include special sensory-friendly elements for children with autism.
The theater's educational program features classes for kids of all ages, teaching more than 1,000 students per year. It also provides free after-school programs to children from low-income families. The work done by this group goes beyond just its lively and fun performances, which is why donations are such a critical part of keeping the theater up and running. Supporters are encouraged to give online and come to a show to take part in the magic.
