Community Engagement Case Study: Marcus Performing Arts Center

Intro to Arts Admin FAR 5100

Community Engagement Newsletter

Marcus Performing Arts Center

For 50 + years in the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Downtown, MPAC is the premierhome for high-quality arts and cultural programming in the midwest.

If you are searching for an organization that understands the needs of their community, is always reinventing ways to expand its artistic reach, and is a cultural landmark, look no further than the Marcus Center of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since 1969, they have strived to be the bridge between cultures and a force for collaboration and advocacy for the community.

The Marcus Performing Arts Center is a 501 (c) 3

The Marcus Center is Home to many prominent arts organizations

The Marcus Center showcases their dedication to being a center for all arts cultivation and education byhousing organizations that cater to all spectrums of the arts world: Dance (Milwaukee Ballet), Music (MYSO),Opera, Theater (First Stage), and BIPOC Visual & Performing Arts (Black Arts MKE).

There are 5 performance spaces perfect for each company’s needs, and are open to the community forreservations.

KENDRA WHITLOCK INGRAM

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Interview w/ Aly Prouty, Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin

On MPAC’s drive toward diversity, community relationship and representation

“We’re really strategic about the artists that we bring to the Marcus Center. MPAC represents the diversity, both ethnic and cultural, of the Milwaukee community; so we really want Milwaukee to see themselves on our stages. That’s a really big part of our program decision-making…”

On the drive toward diversity

“Our key goal is to be a true community gathering place for all. In order to do that, the community needs to be able [to] see themself on stage, in our staff, in the folks who work behind the scenes. It’s really important that we reflect the community…”

Value #1: We imagine and create the world we want to see

Donald Driver

Value #2: We break down barriers

Part of MPAC’s commitment to racial equity, diversity and inclusion, they partnered with former Green Bay Packer and community advocate, Donald Driver to promote the power of the arts, culture and community engagement by making the arts more accessible to underserved youth, families and communities of color throughout Southeast Wisconsin.

The 4-year partnership with the Donald Driver Foundation will work together to create educational community and youth content, and provide access to MPAC’s current programming to underserved communities and student groups.

Press Release - Bader Philanthropies, Inc.

“As a performing arts center in a vibrant major city, it is our mission to bring the best of the performing arts to Milwaukee.”

- Kendra Whitlock Ingram,CEO & President

The Marcus Center’s Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion action plan aims to have a minimum of 30% of MPAC Presents programming representing BIPOC artists, and commits to investing in programs that remove barriers to participation. And, that goal was exceeded in 2021 with 63%.

Downtown Milwaukee

The Marcus Center’s greatest strength is its relationship with and understanding the demographics that make up their community. MPAC’s commitment to community engagement, arts programming and education allows them to stand at the forefront as a leading arts organization.

Demographics

● Population: (As of 2020) ~573,700+; Greater Milwaukee (Waukesha, West Allis) ~1.57 million

● Average Income: $57,332

● Childhood Poverty Rate: 43%

● Median Age: 31.5 years

● Race: Black - 38.79% White - 42.05% Hispanic - 8.36% Asian - 4.6% Mixed Race - ~6%

Value #3: We Welcome Everyone

Mission:

The Marcus Center acts as an energizing force that connects our community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement and the transformative power of live performing arts.

The arts programming and community engagement that MPAC is implementing help

define their value of: providing diverse and inclusive programing and events

Inclusive & Educational Programming

MPAC Presents: A collection of family-friendly educational programming and live performances

Arts Connect: Partnering with local high schools for a week-long musical theater workshop led by traveling Broadway stars

Pay What You Can: A program aiming to make shows affordable

Student Matinee Series: A collaboration between MPAC and the Milwaukee School District to present world-class performances for only $5 per student

○ Heroes Day

○ Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration

○ Cesar Chavez Celebration

Opening Our Doors: A program for local companies to schedule a discounted “Night Out” for their employees

Cantos De Las Americas - A Tribute to Education: An annual concert celebration honoring the many cultures represented in K4 - Grade 12 in MPS

Marcus Performing Arts Center has been approved for a $30,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support its MPAC Presents programming. Specific funding from the NEA will help support the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s new arts and culture series of Dance, Jazz, Student Matinee, and special music performances

"The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from Marcus Performing Arts Center that help support the community's creative economy," said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. "Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee is among the arts organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts."

Value #5: We provide world-class programming

Sponsors, Donors & Grant Providers:

With special thanks to the kind donations of the Marcus Family and Milwaukee community!

Community Engagement Overview

As a staple of arts education and programming in the community for over half a century, the Marcus Center has proven their dedication to the community in which they serve.

Their location being in the downtown area that has local bus stops directly in front of the building, partnering with the school district to provide transportation to and from shows, making performances affordable and accessible, highlighting artists and subject-matter that is relevant to the community, presenting educational content, and bringing some of their programs directly to schools again in light of the changed restrictions due to the COVID-19 outbreak: The Marcus Performing Arts Center finds a way to live up to their organizational goal of trying to make the arts diverse and inclusive for all.

With the ever expanding partnerships they have as the years progress, it shows that the community cares for them just as much and thinks highly of their contribution to society. Even the many grants and sponsorships both locally and nationally seem to echo this sentiment as well.

As arts administrative practitioners we need that kind of trust and ever-evolving relationship with our community. As a longstanding entity, the MPAC could just as easily continued what had always been beneficial for the organization, but especially in light of the many political, environmental and social changes that have happened since the turn of the decade, they recognized that they needed to change with the times, and the REDI action plan and its current success is a sign of that change and their community’s acceptance of it.

Community Engagement isn’t just about creating great programming and putting on phenomenal performances; it’s about connecting with your audience, understanding their needs, and how your organization can satisfy them while also being willing to innovate and grow with them. And the Marcus Center proves that this approach can be successful.