UPAF News Releases
The UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, returns to Henry Maier Festival Park June 2 with Hoan Loop Course
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced today that the 44th annual UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, will be held on Sunday, June 2, with the return of the “Hoan Loop Course” completely closed to vehicle traffic for the entire event. Additionally, the event will mark the introduction of UPAF Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park, the official finish line festivities for riders and community members.
UPAF to Kick Off 2024 Community Campaign with the UPAF Rally for the Arts at 3rd Street Market Hall
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) will host the UPAF Rally for the Arts Dance Party on Wednesday, March 13. This will serve as the kickoff to the 2024 Community Campaign.
The UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, returns to Henry Maier Festival Park June 4 with Expanded Hoan Loop Bike Course
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced today that the 43rd annual UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, will be held on Sunday, June 4, with an expanded “Hoan Loop Course” completely closed to vehicle traffic for the entire event. Additionally, this year’s start and finish line party returns to the Henry Maier Festival Park for the first time since 2019.
The United Performing Arts Fund Announces $10,800,000 2023 Fundraising Target
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) launched their 2023 Community Campaign tonight with an event in the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. At the event, UPAF announced their 2023 fundraising target of $10.8 million, the first step in the multi-year effort of reaching $12.5 million in fundraising annually by 2025.
The United Performing Arts Fund Awards Annual Stiemke Award to Stephen Marcus
The Stiemke Award recognizes exceptional lifetime service to the performing arts sector.
The United Performing Arts Fund Announces Scott Beightol as Board Chair and Five New Board Members
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced this week the appointment of Scott Beightol, partner at Michael Best & Friedrich, as the new chair of the UPAF Board of Directors, succeeding Tim Mattke. Also announced was the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the Board are Jeff Cady of US Bank, David Caruso of Dynamic Events by David Caruso, Dustin Godsey of Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, Melanie Maddux of ManpowerGroup and Tim Stewart of DeWitt, LLP.
United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) Announces Total Donor Support of $10,782,496 for the 2022 Campaign
$8,267,000 allocated to 47 performing arts organizations in Eastern Wisconsin.
The United Performing Arts Fund Announces Four New Board Members
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announces the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the Board are Bill Guc of WEC Energy Group, Dr. Phyllis King of University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Rebecca Mitich of Husch Blackwell and Anne Zizzo of Zizzo Group.
The United Performing Arts Fund Announces $10,500,000 Fundraising Target for 2022
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) launched their 2022 Community Campaign tonight with a virtual event. At the event, UPAF announced their 2022 fundraising target of $10.5 million and highlighted its performing arts Members and Affiliates with performances showcasing local talent in music, song, dance and theater.
The United Performing Arts Fund Announces UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, will Feature New Course Across the Hoan Bridge on Sunday, June 5, 2022
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced today that the annual UPAF Ride for the Arts returns Sunday, June 5, featuring the exciting new “Hoan Loop Course” that’s completely closed to vehicle traffic for the entire event, creating a safe environment where riders rule the road.
Local Performing Arts Groups Announce the MKE Performing Arts Homecoming Celebration, September 24 – October 4
UPAF Members and Affiliates Join Together to Open their Doors and Welcome Back Community
UPAF Announces August Rally for Arts Education Fundraising Effort
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is shining the spotlight on arts education throughout the month of August with the UPAF Rally for Arts Education in an effort to raise $200K in funding to fully support for its community impact grant program, UPAF Bright Minds.
UPAF Announces Affiliate Program Becomes Fully Unrestricted Grant Initiative
Grant applications are now open and more accessible to performing arts organizations.
The United Performing Arts Fund Recognizes June as UPAF Ride for the Arts Month in Honor of 2021 Event
The UPAF Ride for the Arts Series, sponsored by Miller Lite, will take place over three Sundays in June and raise critical dollars for Milwaukee performing arts organizations
The United Performing Arts Fund Announces $11,300,000 Fundraising Target for 2021 Community Campaign
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) kicked off their 2021 Community Campaign tonight with a virtual Launch event. This event highlighted the important role local artists play on our Member Group stages and throughout the community. At the event, UPAF announced their 2021 fundraising target of $11.3 million and the critical need of the performing arts during these difficult times.
The United Performing Arts Fund Announces 2021 Ride for the Arts Series, sponsored by Miller Lite
The UPAF Ride for the Arts Series, reimagined for 2021, will take place over three Sundays in June and raise critical dollars for Milwaukee performing arts organizations.
United Performing Arts Fund Names 2021 Campaign Co-Chairs
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has tapped three prominent business leaders to serve as co-chairs for the 2020 UPAF Community Campaign
United Performing Arts Fund to Allocate $8,440,613 to Member Groups
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) today announced it will allocate $8,440,613 to its 14 Member Groups. A total of $7,170,591 or about 85% of the allocation, will be distributed to the six UPAF Cornerstones.
2021 UPAF Campaign Raises Over $10.1 million
Nearly $7.9 million will be allocated to 40 performing arts organizations in Eastern Wisconsin.
2020 UPAF Campaign Raises Over $11.6 Million for Local Performing Arts Organizations
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced last night that the 2020 UPAF Campaign raised $11,662,693. Dollars generated through fundraising total $11,358,693, with an additional $304,000 raised in grant revenue. The Campaign is down by 1.9% compared to 2019, which is significantly less than the 8.5% UPAF projected once COVID-19 required all efforts and performances to be 100% virtual.
UPAF Welcomes Black Arts MKE as Newest Member Group
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved Black Arts MKE as a Member Group, effective immediately. The organization joins 13 other premiere world class performing arts organizations as a UPAF Member Group.
UPAF Enters the “Final Stretch” of the 2020 Fundraising Campaign
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is entering the final stretch of its 2020 fundraising Campaign, at a time when the performing arts sector has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. After being extended by 10 weeks, the UPAF Campaign will officially close on August 31.
Phoenix Investors Sees Value in Local Arts Education Programming
Phoenix Investors, a national private commercial real estate firm headquartered in Milwaukee, is investing $25,000 in United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), specifically to UPAF Bright Minds, presented by BMO Harris Bank. UPAF Bright Minds provides essential funding to arts education initiatives delivered by UPAF Member Groups, touching the lives of over 100,000 students each year.
UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, Will Go Virtual as “An Event for All” on Sunday, June 14
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced today that the 40th Anniversary UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, will be held as a virtual event on Sunday, June 14. With the uncertainty surrounding the safety of mass gatherings, UPAF will instead host “An Event for All” to allow participants the flexibility to ride, walk or run anywhere with anyone from any starting point.
UPAF Brings Together Community Leaders and Performers in UNITE with UPAF Live
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is hosting UNITE with UPAF Live to showcase the importance of our local performing arts scene and raise much needed funds for their 14 Member Groups.
UPAF Launches “UNITE with UPAF” Collaborative to Lift Community Spirits
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is launching “UNITE with UPAF” Collaborative to help lift the spirits of the community during this time of great uncertainty. Partnering with its 14 Member Groups, UPAF is offering free virtual performing arts experiences, both live and on demand, to showcase music, dance and theater.
UPAF Seeks to Ensure ‘A Stage For All’ with 2020 Campaign
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) will launch its 2020 Campaign with a special mission to ensure accessibility of the arts to all. This year’s campaign will kick off with two launch events on Tuesday, March 3.
The United Performing Arts Fund Leaps into the 2020 Campaign with the “No Show Gala” Online Auction, Presented by KS Energy Services
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is hosting the second annual “No Show Gala” Online Auction, sponsored by KS Energy Services, February 1 through March 3. This online auction allows participants to support UPAF by bidding on over 40 exciting packages, products and once-in-a-lifetime experiences directly from their smart phone or the comfort of their homes at https://upaf.givesmart.com.
UPAF Applauds a Successful 2019 at Annual Meeting
Just off another successful year, the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) closed the curtain on its 2019 Campaign with its Annual Meeting yesterday, held at the Milwaukee Rep’s Stackner Cabaret.
United Performing Arts Fund Announces Record Increase in Arts Education Grants
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced today that a record total of $683,500 in grants will be distributed for arts education programs through UPAF Bright Minds, presented by BMO Harris Bank.
United Performing Arts Fund Announces Affiliate Grants
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced its selection of nonprofits to receive funding through the UPAF Affiliate Program, sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corporation Foundation, for the 2019-20 performance season.
United Performing Arts Fund Names 2020 Campaign Co-Chairs
Focus of the 2020 Campaign is on efforts to ensure entertainment excellence and arts inclusivity.
United Performing Arts Fund to Allocate $8,820,000 to Member Groups
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) today announced it will allocate $8,820,000 to its 14 Member Groups. A total of $7,487,215, or about 87% of the allocation, will be distributed to the six UPAF Cornerstones.
UPAF President & CEO Deanna Tillisch Will Retire Following 2020 Campaign
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) today announced that Deanna Tillisch, president and CEO, will retire next year on September 30, 2020. Tillisch will lead the 2020 Campaign to ensure a smooth transition of continuing UPAF’s mission to secure community resources, promote the performing arts as a regional asset and improve the quality of life through responsible investment in and financial support of the performing arts in Southeastern Wisconsin.
UPAF Shines the Spotlight on the 2019-20 Performing Arts Season
For the third year in a row, the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is earmarking September as Performing Arts Month to celebrate the 2019-20 season. A free sampling of UPAF Member Group performances will be open to the public at the new Saint Kate Arts Hotel and during Historic Milwaukee’s Doors Open in the Northwestern Mutual Tower