UPAF News

The United Performing Arts Fund has set a fundraising goal of $11.3 million for its 2021 community campaign. UPAF leaders announced the fundraising target during a virtual launch event Wednesday evening, saying the campaign comes at a critical time for the region’s performing arts.

The United Performing Arts Fund kicked off its 2021 Community Capital Campaign with a target goal of $11.3 million to support the performing arts community.

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has proven to be the rock that many local performing arts organizations need to remain above the raging waters of a world where audiences cannot gather in person. On Wednesday, March 3, at 5 p.m., they will launch their 2021 Community Campaign to raise funds for the arts with a virtual gathering, show and discussion.

This year, the campaign will focus on supporting 14 performing arts groups in the Milwaukee area that have been hit hard in the pandemic.

In January, UPAF announced its re-imagined Ride for the Arts Series, safe, socially-distant outdoor cycling events for that continue the four decades-plus tradition of the Ride for the Arts fundraiser. The series, in which cyclists of all ages and abilities can participate, will be held over three weekends in summer: June 6 at Veterans Park, June 13 at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield and June 27 at Coal Dock Park in Port Washington.

The United Performing Arts Fund announced Wednesday it has named three Milwaukee-area business leaders as co-chairs for the fund’s 2021 Community Campaign.

The United Performing Arts Fund named Heather Dunn, Steve Johnson and Greg Wesley as the three co-chairs for its 2021 UPAF Community Campaign.

For obvious reasons, 2020 was not the best year for the performing arts in Milwaukee. Beyond the risk of COVID-19 infections for audience members, staff and performers, such gatherings go against instructions from Gov. Tony Evers. By August, 33.9% of Wisconsinites working in the arts, entertainment and recreation had filed for unemployment, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. This is a challenge; working to overcome it is the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) that supports some of the biggest names in local entertainment through fundraising. At its helm is Patrick Rath, its new president named in October 2020.

Patrick Rath's commitment to the Milwaukee arts community started as a 10-year-old boy performing with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and grew to a variety of leadership positions with institutions including the Milwaukee Art Museum and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

irtual opportunities have actually increased access to arts education in Southeast Wisconsin. That certainly doesn’t have the same appeal as knowing local venues would soon be packed with families enjoying holiday shows, but it’s how arts groups are surviving the pandemic. That, and a reliable revenue stream from United Performing Arts Fund, which has a new President & CEO taking over at this critical time.