UPAF allocates record $9.3 million

The United Performing Arts Fund has announced a record allocation of $9,315,885 to local performing arts groups for the 2017-’18 season, the most money it has distributed in its 50-year history.

That’s an increase of $70,000 over the previous season’s allocations, UPAF declared in a statement.

UPAF will distribute $7,813,344 to its six Cornerstone groups: First Stage, Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Symphony and Skylight Music Theatre.

The Milwaukee Symphony received the largest allocation, $2,554,261, a slight increase over last year. The Milwaukee Repertory Theater received the largest bump in allocation: $1,859,970, an increase of more than $140,000 over 2016-’17.

Nine UPAF member groups will receive $1,349,164.

Twelve member groups also will receive a combined total of $600,000 in arts education grants.

The UPAF allocations were determined by an independent committee of representatives from Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls, We Energies, Baird, PNC Bank, KPMG and the Milwaukee Public Museum. According to UPAF, that committee uses a formula that includes its evaluation of member groups’ financial management.

UPAF raised a record total of $12,235,106 during its 50th anniversary campaign. UPAF President and CEO Deanna Tillisch cited several factors for the record success, including 50th anniversary gifts totaling $350,000, and new initiatives, such as the “Adopt an Artist” campaign.