UPAF News

The United Performing Arts Fund took in $10,782,496 for local performing arts organizations during its recently concluded 2022 campaign, UPAF announced Tuesday evening.

The United Performing Arts Fund surpassed its $10.5 million 2022 fundraising goal, raising $10,782,496 from 13,400 donors.

It is fairly easy to understand how the initial shutdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic would be difficult for performing arts organizations, but Patrick Rath, president and chief executive officer of the United Performing Arts Fund, says the coming season could present an even greater challenge for arts groups in Milwaukee.

From empty stages and virtual streamings to masked-up shows and socially distanced seating, Milwaukee's United Performing Arts Fund member groups saw the strong and steady impact of Covid-19 over the past three seasons.

As they prepare for their fourth consecutive season affected by COVID-19, Milwaukee performing arts groups acknowledge that they're still climbing out of the pandemic pit.

Our local arts groups have lost nearly 38 million dollars of revenue from the outset of COVID

This fall marks the fourth performing arts season for local organizations grappling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While shows are returning to the stage and audiences are growing, the challenges facing the performing arts community remain.

The performing arts sector was hit hard by the pandemic and local arts leaders said it continues to struggle in current economic times.

The annual UPAF Ride for the Arts will return to Milwaukee's Hoan Bridge on June 5, with a new closed loop that will keep cars away during the event.

While arts groups were shuttered throughout 2020, the United Performing Arts Fund continued to raise upwards of $10 million to support the industry.