As the Capital City, Madison enjoys a rich history from the seat of government to the state’s flagship university and the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright, architect of the city’s lakefront Monona Terrace. The city’s vibrant cultural scene has grown with the community. The MGE Foundation recognizes the importance of culture, art and history to the fabric of our community. We’re committed to supporting the local programming, creativity and education that enrich our community.
Supporting ALL artists
The Arts + Literature Laboratory provides opportunities and studio space for artists in all mediums. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Bastian.
The phrase “starving artist” may not be completely accurate, but artists often struggle to earn a living and find audiences, studio space and essential support. That’s where the Arts + Literature Laboratory (ALL) comes in. ALL is a community-driven center for the visual, literary and performing arts that engages people of all ages and backgrounds in meaningful cultural experiences. ALL prioritizes the inclusion of artists and writers historically denied access to creative career paths, including Black artists, Indigenous artists, other artists of color, women artists, LGBTQ+ artists and artists with disabilities. ALL’s new, permanent home has increased its capacity to provide opportunities for artists and audience members.
As an artist-centered and multidisciplinary organization, ALL’s programming supports visual artists and filmmakers, writers and local musicians. It provides youth arts education programming and ensures equitable access for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color), low-income, LGBTQ+, housing-insecure and court-involved youth.
“Just one year ago, we were a volunteer-run organization. Support from MGE and the community has allowed us to build our organizational capacity by adding full-time staff, which is crucial to our long-term sustainability,” says ALL Co-Director Rita Mae Reese.
The support helps ALL ensure a rich, vibrant and diverse arts community.
“Arts + Literature Laboratory (ALL) supports the work of hundreds of artists, writers and musicians each year who share their art and expertise with thousands of community members. As our name implies, ALL is for everyone and serves people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience.”
Rita Mae Reese,
Co-Director, Art + Literature Laboratory
Celebrating Black excellence
Ground is expected to be broken for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture in 2024. Its mission is to deliver enriching programming for all ages. Rendering courtesy of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture.
“We are about Black innovation—not one person, not one innovator, but Black innovation—innovation that causes us to live better,” Dr. Alex Gee says as he describes the purpose and mission of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture (The Center). “We are telling, knowing, celebrating and creating leaders through our stories. We know from the social determinants of health that the stress of being isolated and disconnected shortens lives. The Center is for the sake of health and not just entertainment.”
Targeted for groundbreaking in early 2024, The Center is designed to incubate, nurture, motivate and celebrate all aspects of Black culture and excellence. Led, designed and inspired by more than 800 local Black people, The Center will serve as a cultural haven where Black people are connected, inspired and represented. The Center is designed to enable the Black community to thrive, innovate, and live longer, healthier lives.
A part of the ongoing revitalization of Madison’s South Park Street, The Center’s mission is to welcome everyone—children, youth, adults, seniors—and to provide enriching programming and spaces for gatherings, creativity, engagement and performance.
“Telling our stories creates excellence, and that will help us live longer. We use culture and our rich stories of perseverance and achievement to give a sense of welcome and belonging and to motivate children from our rich history.”
Dr. Alex Gee,
Founder and CEO, The Center for Black Excellence and Culture