UPAF News

How do you conduct a workplace giving campaign when so few people are actually at work? It's one of the many challenges facing the United Performing Arts Fund as it strives to support its member groups in southeast Wisconsin.

United Performing Arts Fund president and CEO Deanna Tillisch kicked off her last fundraising campaign with the united arts fund with a pair of special initiatives: the official launch of the Kasey's Fund Initiative and an addition to the UPAF Ride for the Arts — a special bike race across the Hoan Bridge.

Deanna Tillisch, President and CEO of United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), is on a mission to make the magic of the arts available to all.

"A Stage For All" aims to spread the impact of arts to more communities.

Deanna Tillisch has led the organization to staggering fundraising totals, and has cast a wider net in a continuing effort to reach more people through the arts. Her inspiration to that end is deeply personal.

The United Performing Arts Fund is looking for a new president and CEO. UPAF’s current leader, Deanna Tillisch, is leaving the organization this fall.

The United Performing Arts Fund said it will host its signature Ride for the Arts event with a new format this summer. The annual fundraiser will be held over three weekends in June to allow for a socially-distanced series of bike rides, the organization said.

The United Performing Arts Fund has reconfigured its signature fundraising event this year as The UPAF Ride for the Arts Series, with Sunday rides from different locations on June 6, 13 and 27 to raise funds for local performing arts groups.

While many businesses have adapted to a new normal during the pandemic, arts and music venues have continued to struggle. Many performing artists count on a packed audience to make ends meet. The pandemic halted all of that and artists have had to pivot to more virtual, and often less lucrative experiences.