The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arts Business Competition (ABC) is a campus-wide competition created to support and encourage new thinking and innovative ideas in the form of an art exhibition, event, series, commercial venture or other artistic project. Students submit proposals which are reviewed for creativity, innovation, success potential and added value to the arts. The program provides financial support for student-driven projects and celebrates entrepreneurship in the arts. Three groups of finalists (listed below) will pitch their proposals starting at 3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 in the Plenary Room inside Grainger Hall (975 University Avenue).
Judges reviewed the proposals and selected finalists, and will have time to ask additional questions before deliberating and granting prizes in the amount of $2000, $1000 or $500. Special thanks to this year’s judges: Dr. Roxie Hentz (CEOs of Tomorrow), Brandon Hughes (Revel Talent Alliance) and Helen Lee (UW-Madison Glass Lab; The Studio Creative Arts Community). Finalists have until May 2025 to implement their ideas.
The event will be recorded, and an Arts Together reception will follow. Advance registration is required. The Arts Business Competition is presented by the Division of the Arts with support from the Bolz Center for Arts Administration.
Finalists
Cornhusk Collective
Cornhusk Collective -founded by Giselle Oliva with guidance and support from Amber Cornelius- is an artist collective that supports artists, strengthens cultural ties, and contributes to the healing and vitality of The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. Artists practicing traditional, hybrid, and contemporary art forms come together to create. They connect in shared spaces to build community through art and design opportunities that benefit the collective and community.
Madison Gamer Symphony Orchestra
The Madison Gamer Symphony Orchestra (MGSO) is an innovative initiative to rejuvenate symphonic music and bridge generational gaps through the transformative beauty of video game soundtracks performed by a professional symphony orchestra. Founded as a doctoral project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by Ben Carlee, MGSO aims to captivate diverse audiences with exceptional orchestral renditions of beloved gaming compositions.
Tufting with Tony
Tufting refers to a textile process in which a threaded needle pierces through a fabric to create loops or piles. Through social media platforms, artists showcase their tufted creations, share their processes, and connect with a global audience, thus allowing for significant growth in awareness and appreciation in the United States. Tony Sansalone has partnered with Wheelhouse Studios in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Union, with the intention to host and promote classes and workshops in the spring of 2024.