Peninsula Players Theatre is pleased to announce it was awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board (WAB) through the WAB’s Creation & Presentation program. Funds of the grant will support the Peninsula Players continued development and presentation of outstanding theatrical productions and community programs as the theater prepares for its 81st season in 2016.
Peninsula Players again ranked among the highest-scoring applicants for these state grants, which are awarded on a competitive basis through a rigorous evaluation process. Panelists cited the 80-year-old theater’s long-term financial health, increasing attendance, range of programming and creative efforts to stimulate community interest. The awarding of this grant indicates the Players programming and community engagement provides the highest level of excellence.
“I am very pleased this grant helps Peninsula Players continue to produce high-quality theater for Door County residents and visitors,” said Brian Kelsey, the Players managing director. “It is very rewarding to see panelists from across the state recognize the value of this Door County theatrical gem.”
The Wisconsin Arts Board is the state agency which nurtures creativity, cultivates expression, promotes the arts, supports the arts in education, stimulates community and economic development and serves as a resource for people of every culture and heritage.
Grants awarded by the Wisconsin Arts Board to arts and community organizations across the state help to make programs available to broad audiences and supports groups which undertake innovative programming, support creativity, artistic quality, community engagement, inspires curiosity as well as audience and patron development.
National studies such as the Arts & Economic Prosperity Report states that nonprofit arts and culture industry generate $135.2 billion in economic activity every year. Spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations nationally was estimated at $61.1 billion in 2010. This output supports 2.2 million U.S. jobs, provides $47.5 billion in household income, and generates $10.2 billion in total government revenue.
“Communities which draw cultural tourists experience an additional boost to economic activity and grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board and the state of Wisconsin signifies support and growth of the creative industry around the state,” Kelsey said.
Funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board will augment the strong support Peninsula Players receives from the community and visitors through ticket sales, individual contributions as well as corporate and foundation support. Organizations that receive Arts Board funding are required to match state tax dollars with such additional public and private funds.
The Wisconsin Arts Board through its grant programs, can help to ensure that cultural resources like the Peninsula Players Theatre will continue to be integral to the quality of life in Wisconsin.
Peninsula Players Theatre is America’s Oldest Professional Resident Summer Theatre, learn more about Peninsula Players at www.peninsulaplayers.com.
Peninsula Players is America’s oldest professional resident summer theater and is unique in the country for its diverse productions, continuing loyalty to a resident company, and its beautiful setting of 16 wooded acres along the cedar-lined shores of Green Bay. In the past 81 years, the theater has become a Door County landmark and its cornerstone arts institution