The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) was formed in 1967 as an effort to support the growth, development and financial security of Milwaukee’s leading performing arts organizations.
During its first campaign, UPAF volunteers raised 50-percent more dollars than the member organizations were able to raise individually in the previous year. UPAF has since provided more than $217 million to its 15 member and 19 affiliate institutions in the Milwaukee area and is considered the largest united fund raising money for the performing arts in the United States.
UPAF recently met its 2009 fundraising goal of $9 million and will distribute that money to performing arts organizations in the community. Ted Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer of Fiduciary Management Inc., and Linda Mellowes, community volunteer, have been named co-chairs for the 2010 UPAF campaign, which will announce its fundraising goal in March 2010.
“The performing arts encourage commerce, attract tourist dollars and talented professionals to our area, and have a tremendous, positive economic impact. No matter what the market is,” Kellner said. “The arts are a good investment because they enrich our lives and create a dynamic environment that promotes growth and development.”
2009-10 UPAF Member Group Allocations
UPAF Member Group > 2009-10 Allocation
- Bel Canto Chorus of Milwaukee, Inc. $50,644
- Danceworks, Inc. $93,053
- First Stage Milwaukee, Inc. $459,068
- Florentine Opera Company, Inc. $671,946
- Ko-Thi Dance Company, Inc. $39,721
- Milwaukee Ballet Company, Inc. $738,806
- Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Ltd. $135,969
- Milwaukee Children’s Choir $31,223
- Milwaukee Public Theatre, Inc. $87,375
- Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Inc. $1,019,088
- Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Inc. $2,405,886
- Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Inc. $320,163
- Next Act Theatre, Inc. $135,085
- Present Music, Inc. $129,042
- Renaissance Theaterworks, Inc. $77,849
- Skylight Opera Theatre Corp. $564,971
- Total 2009-10 allocation to UPAF members $6,959,889
2009-10 UPAF Affiliate Group Allocations
UPAF Affiliate Group > 2009-10 Allocation
- Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theatre $12,490
- DanceCircus $2,000
- Festival City Symphony $16,400
- Frankly Music $4,500
- In Tandem Theatre, Inc. $25,940
- Kenosha Symphony Assn $2,000
- Kettle Moraine Symphony $655
- Latino Arts, Inc. $13,276
- Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra $3,000
- Milwaukee Choral Artists $7,899
- Milwaukee Opera Theatre $3,802
- North Shore Academy of the Arts $3,000
- Piano Arts of Wisconsin $3,311
- Racine Symphony Orchestra $6,389
- Sunset Playhouse $3,500
- Theatre Gigante $4,400
- Waukesha Symphony Orchestra $21,800
- Wild Space Dance Company $13,125
- Windfall Theatre $5,124
- Total 2009-10 allocation to UPAF affiliates $152,611
