Arts and Culture Board Meeting November 3, 2026

The Arts and Culture Board of La Crosse, Wisconsin met on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 9:25 AM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Seven of nine members were present (Alex Fowler, Joshua Walden, Kelly Leibold, Chris Kahlow, Dillon McArdle, Mary Cate Wesling, Paige Manges); two were absent (one vacant seat, Jennifer Morris). The meeting included an update on Arts Week 2027, introductions of board members, and a discussion on the future of board initiatives and strategic planning.

Updates on Arts Week 2027

• Representatives from four organizations (Pump House Regional Arts Center, La Crosse Community Theater, Cooley Arts, and La Crosse Symphony Orchestra) presented their plan for Arts Week 2027. The event would span from Artspire (existing festival) to Juneteenth, with a potential anchor event at the La Crosse Center. They emphasized collaboration, equal access, and a desire for the Arts Board to serve as an umbrella committee.
• Discussion included funding limitations, the need to avoid duplicating grant applications (as applying for a grant for Arts Week could disqualify individual organizations from other grants from the same source), and the possibility of a subcommittee under the Arts Board. Board member Mary Cate Wesling volunteered to be the board representative on the planning committee. Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director Jay Odegard offered logistical and permitting support and noted the city could sometimes apply for grants in its own name to avoid disqualifying other organizations.
• No action was taken; the board expressed general support and looked forward to continued updates.

Introductions

• Board members and staff introduced themselves, sharing their backgrounds and roles. Newer members (Kelly Leibold, Joshua Walden) highlighted their interest in supporting arts in the community.

Discussion on Future of Board Initiatives and Strategic Planning

• Jackie Merket, outgoing city arts coordinator, reported that the board has about $10,000 carryover and an operating budget of $15,000 for next year (total $25,000). The grant program, which had been $35,000 annually, may not be sustainable without administrative support after Jackie's departure (her position eliminated due to budget cuts).
• Director Odegard stated the board has historically been a governing body more than a project implementor, and he questioned whether the grant program could continue without staff support. He suggested the Arts Week initiative could give the board renewed purpose.
• Board members debated the merits of the grant program vs. a curated project model. Paige Manges and others argued the grant program is inclusive and allows community-driven projects, while Dylan McArdle provided historical context that the grant program has been the most successful way to get art into the community. Jackie noted that a hybrid model (curated projects plus limited grant cycles) is possible.
• Discussion also touched on the name change to “Arts and Culture Board,” the possibility of a poet laureate program, and the need for a strategic planning session with the mayor (who cancelled a prior meeting). Members agreed to aim for a strategic planning session in December, coordinated through staff, to define the board's future direction before Jackie's departure.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or actions were taken on any agenda item.
• The board expressed consensus to hold a strategic planning session in December 2026 (to be noticed and scheduled) to discuss the future of the board, funding models, and the role of the arts coordinator position.
• Director Odegard and staff will continue to support the Arts Week committee and explore grant application options through the city.
• Mary Cate Wesling volunteered to serve as the board liaison for the Arts Week planning committee.