Business Details
50 Years
experience
Performing Arts Center Wisconsin Rapids
Founded in 1976, Arts Council South Wood County has been dedicated to promoting and enriching the performing arts in central Wisconsin. Our mission focuses on providing culturally diverse, professional artistic experiences for residents of all ages while fostering educational opportunities through artist residencies, workshops, and student collaborations. With a strong emphasis on community engagement, we coordinate performances, manage the Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids, and facilitate arts education programs that have impacted thousands of students since our inception. Our operations are sustained through ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and grants from organizations like the Mead Witter Foundation and Wisconsin Arts Board.The council maintains transparent governance through a volunteer board of directors and relies on community volunteers to execute its programming. Our track record includes hosting renowned performers, implementing innovative outreach initiatives, and maintaining fiscal responsibility with over 70% of revenue derived from ticket sales. We continually seek partnerships to expand our reach and impact across 119+ communities in the region.
Services
Performing Arts Events
Arts Education Programs
Ticket Sales
Performance Sponsorships
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- 49+ years of delivering quality performing arts experiences
- Over 4,000 students impacted annually through arts education programs
- Community partnerships with Mead Witter Foundation and Wisconsin Arts Board
- Transparent governance with volunteer board oversight
- Economic impact through local business collaborations
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
Services
Performing Arts Events
The Arts Council presents diverse live performances at the Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids. Our season includes concerts, theater productions, and special events featuring national touring artists. Each performance offers unique entertainment experiences while contributing to local economic growth through tourism and business partnerships. Our programming balances popular appeal with cultural enrichment for audiences of all ages.
Arts Education Programs
Our educational initiatives connect students with professional artists through workshops, master classes, and collaborative performances. Programs like the Mead Witter Foundation-sponsored outreach bring thousands of students annually to interactive experiences with touring performers. These initiatives provide hands-on learning opportunities that enhance school curricula and inspire creative development in young people across central Wisconsin.
Performance Sponsorships
Businesses can sponsor performances at multiple levels from $500 to $5,000+. Sponsorship packages include marketing benefits like program advertisements, logo projection during events, and media recognition. These partnerships help offset production costs while providing companies valuable community engagement opportunities and brand visibility among arts patrons.
Community Outreach
We facilitate community-building initiatives through the arts, including volunteer opportunities, local artist collaborations, and special projects like the Sadie mascot program. Our outreach efforts extend to technical training for Lincoln High School students and partnerships with regional schools to maximize accessibility to performing arts experiences across South Wood County.
Ticket Sales
Ticket services include season subscriptions, single-event purchases, and gift certificates for performances at the Performing Arts Center. We offer discounted pricing for multi-show subscriptions and maintain transparent pricing structures with tickets approximately 37% below regional averages. Our system provides convenient access to cultural events while supporting local economic development.
People
Sally Kissner
Executive Director
Sally Kissner leads Arts Council South Wood County with over two decades of experience in arts administration. She manages operations, coordinates performances, and serves as primary contact for sponsors and community partners. Her leadership focuses on expanding educational programs and maintaining financial sustainability.
Questions
How can I purchase tickets for performances?
Tickets can be purchased by calling 715-424-ARTS (2787) or visiting the Performing Arts Center box office. Season subscriptions and gift certificates are also available through our website.
Are there educational programs for students?
Yes! Our Arts in Education program offers workshops, master classes, and performance collaborations with touring artists. These initiatives serve over 4,000 students annually through partnerships with local schools and foundations.
How can businesses support the Arts Council?
Businesses can sponsor performances at levels from $500 to $5,000+, advertise in program guides, or contribute tax-deductible donations. Sponsorship packages include marketing benefits and community engagement opportunities.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
Volunteers assist with ticket sales, event hosting, poster distribution, and office management. We also welcome programming ideas and help promoting arts education initiatives to local youth.
Where are performances held?
Most performances take place at the Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids (1801 16th Street South). Some special events may occur at alternative venues like the McMillan Library or local schools.