Fact Sheet
What: PortalWisconsin.org is a nonprofit Web site created by the Cultural Coalition to promote arts, culture, humanities and history in Wisconsin. Using a variety of Web-based media, Portal Wisconsin will serve as an electronic gateway to the rich content of the Cultural Coalition partner organizations, as well as other cultural entities throughout the state. Content will include a statewide events calendar, news articles, course listings, organizational listings, streaming video and audio, moderated online chats, online galleries, and Web links. Users will be able to search for content by keyword, geographic area, interest area, and other means. Content will be dynamic and constantly evolving. Portal Wisconsin will also pursue opportunities related to interactive television (embedding links via Web TV) and datacasting.The project will research a variety of models, media, and navigational tools to determine which are most successful. This information will then be shared with other public television stations and their communities so that other sites patterned on Portal Wisconsin may be created.
Who: Wisconsin's Cultural Coalition comprises the following organizations:
Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters
Wisconsin Arts Board
Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Humanities Council
Wisconsin Library Association
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Public Television
University of Wisconsin-Extension--Outreach & E-Learning
Why: Wisconsin's quality of life is intimately linked with its artistic, historical, cultural, and humanities resources and opportunities. Experiencing these facets of Wisconsin life helps us understand ourselves and our world. Furthermore, Wisconsin's cultural opportunities build pride and give expression to our communities.
In a time when we are bombarded with sales pitches and information overload, Portal Wisconsin will enlist the integrity of its seven partners to become a trusted service. It will have no agenda but to help visitors find art, cultural, humanities, and historical information through easy navigation. It will be the entry point for arts, culture, humanities and history in Wisconsin and build communities of interest without geographic division.
Funding: Major funding provided by the Future Fund of the Corporation For Public Broadcasting, seed money provided by the University of Wisconsin-Extension Cross Divisional Program Innovation Fund, and additional funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Ongoing support is provided by the Cultural Coalition of Wisconsin.
portalwisconsin.org partners