2025 Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project

2025 Theme: Connection

In its third year, the Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (WACP) continues to demonstrate the interconnectedness of the arts and the unique capacity it has to teach essential human capacities. The 2025 WACP centers on the theme of “Connection”. As researcher and author, Brene Brown stated, "Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering." Wisconsin Poet Laureate, Nicholas Gulig, has crafted a poem entitled, "Yellow Birds of Morning" relating how words and music connect us to each other and the world. This deeply rich poem serves as a "touchpoint" for all of the other artistic creations including the following commissioned works.

The link to the music, poem, recordings, lesson plans, and materials can be found below. Please take these materials and use them in your schools, libraries, and communities. We encourage you to share artifacts, recordings, photos, and videos of students and community members using these resources so that we can celebrate with you while gauging the impact. Prior to using the materials, please consider registering with us so that we can better gauge impact. Registration is via Google Form and should take less than 30 seconds. Thank you in advance!

Poem

"Yellow Birds of Morning" by Nicholas Gulig

Music

"Yellow Birds" by Marie Douglas for concert band, string orchestra, SAA Choir, or any combination of these. (approx. grade 2.5)

Dance

"Yellow Birds" by AJ Juarez & Allison Larsen

Visual Art

"Interwoven Humanity" - acrylic on canvas by Scott Terry

Theatre Production

"To Make You Smile" by The Tosa East Players and Colleen Jaskulski, educator

Motion Graphic

"Yellow Birds" by Matthew Wigdahl

In addition to these commissioned works, this year's project offers even more resources to schools, communities, and libraries.

Lesson plans, based on the theme of Curiosity, have been created by these prominent Wisconsin arts educators and artists:

• Music - Darlayne Coughlin (Kromrey MS, Middleton-Cross Plains School District)
• Dance - Lucie Wrona Sullivan (Disney Corp.)
• Theatre - Amanda Leurquin (Marshfield HS)
• Visual Art - Devon Calvert (Harmony & Consolidated Elem. Schools, Milton Area School District)
• Media Art - Dannielle Arneson (Sheboygan North HS & CHANGE Academy)