Dane County Awards $117,000 in Grants to Local Arts Organizations

April 17, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, (608) 800-1127
County Executive, County Executive

Dane Arts Awards Grants Supporting Arts and Cultural Activities Countywide with Public-Private Funds

MADISON - Dozens of local organizations that promote community arts, history, and culture are receiving “Dane Arts” grants, County Executive Melissa Agard and the Dane County Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission announced today. Eighty project, three capital, and three short order grants totaling $117,000 were recently awarded in cycle 1 for “Dane Arts” grants in 2025. Organizations requested over $359,000 in support. NOTE: The full list of grant recipients is available online HERE.

 

“The arts are an essential thread in the fabric of Dane County—connecting us, inspiring us, and celebrating who we are,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “These grants uplift creativity in every corner of our community and ensure that art remains accessible, vibrant, and a source of pride for all who call Dane County home.”

 

Dane Arts Director Fraire notes, “The Arts here in Dane County help drive the economy and provide the benefits of beauty, goodness, and truth. The cultural arts are reasons people want to live in Dane County.”

 

The “Dane Arts” grants are funded by county dollars in conjunction with private donations from Diane Ballweg and the Endres Manufacturing Company Foundation, and the Frautschi and Rowland Foundations.

 

In 2025, Dane County’s Dane Arts will award over $219,000 in public-private funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, individuals, and municipalities for arts, cultural, local history projects and other community arts programs offered countywide.

 

The next project grant deadline is August 1, 2025, at 4 p.m.