Who we are
Investing in the Soul of Dane County
Friends of Dane Arts operates from a core conviction that the arts are not a luxury, but a necessity that fuels economic vitality, educational achievement, and communal well-being. Founded by a coalition of civic leaders, artists, and educators, our mandate is clear: to ensure every resident of Dane County has access to high-quality cultural experiences and that every committed artist and arts organization has the stability and resources needed to create groundbreaking work. We manage several grant cycles annually, targeting projects that promote artistic innovation, cultural equity, and direct community engagement, prioritizing initiatives that serve underserved populations and bring art into unexpected places.
Our Story
From a Shared Vision to a Community Cornerstone
The Friends of Dane Arts was formally established in the early 1990s, born out of a realization among a small group of civic-minded individuals that while Dane County had immense creative talent, it lacked a dedicated, centralized mechanism for sustained financial and infrastructural support for the arts outside of municipal budgets. The founders, including prominent local business owners, retired teachers, and working artists, envisioned an independent non-profit entity that could act quickly, fund equitably, and advocate powerfully, ensuring the arts never became a vulnerable line item during economic downturns.
What We Do
Cultivating Creativity and Sustaining Cultural Infrastructure
Our core work is multi-faceted, designed to address the interconnected challenges facing artists and arts organizations today, from financial instability to the need for greater public visibility. We meticulously manage a diverse portfolio of grant programs, ranging from Quick Response Grants that cover immediate needs like equipment repair or small project materials to substantial annual operating grants that provide long-term stability for established institutions. Beyond financial support, we actively champion the arts in the public sphere, working with policymakers and community leaders to integrate cultural planning into broader civic initiatives, such as urban development and tourism promotion, ensuring the creative economy is a key consideration in all regional strategies.
Join Us
Advance Your Career in Arts Administration and Community Service
Explore rewarding career opportunities with Friends of Dane Arts, where your professional skills directly contribute to the cultural enrichment of the entire Dane County community.
Career Opportunities
Meaningful Roles Driving Cultural Impact
Friends of Dane Arts occasionally seeks talented and dedicated professionals to join our administrative and program teams, offering career opportunities that blend operational rigor with a profound commitment to cultural enrichment. Our available roles, which are always posted on our website’s career page, span a diverse range of specialties, including grant management, community engagement, financial administration, and public advocacy, providing a stimulating work environment for experts from various professional backgrounds. We seek individuals who are passionate about the arts, possess excellent strategic thinking and communication skills, and are committed to equity and transparency in all their professional dealings, recognizing that our work requires both deep passion and high-level execution. Working with us means dedicating your professional expertise to a mission that directly strengthens the social and economic fabric of Dane County, making every day a contribution to a more vibrant and expressive community for thousands of residents.
Contact Us
Connect with the Friends of Dane Arts
We welcome your questions, partnership inquiries, and enthusiasm for the arts; reach out to us through any of the convenient methods below.
Multiple Contact Methods
Get in Touch: Phone, Email, or Online Form
We understand that communication preferences vary, which is why we offer multiple avenues for you to connect with the Friends of Dane Arts team efficiently and effectively. For general inquiries, questions about our programs, or information on how your organization can apply for funding, the quickest method is to send us an email, which our staff monitors diligently throughout the business day, allowing us to direct your query to the most appropriate team member promptly. If your matter is urgent or requires a detailed conversation, please feel free to call our main office line during standard business hours, where a member of our dedicated team will be happy to assist you with personalized attention and detailed information regarding grants, events, or volunteer opportunities. We also maintain a simple, secure contact form on our website for instant communication, ensuring your message is delivered directly to our communications department for a guaranteed and timely response, respecting your time and need for quick information.
Full Contact Details
Complete Information for Direct Communication For your convenience and accurate correspondence, here are the full, detailed contact particulars for Friends of Dane Arts, ensuring you can reach the right department for your specific inquiry.
Address: 6006 Hempstead Rd, Madison, WI 53711
Email Address: info@frsda.site
