Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/932492
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 8 • I NSIGH T | 15 I ' M V E RY PAS SIONAT E A B OU T arts and creativity. We can say things through creative expression that can't oen be said through other means. It transcends racial barriers, backgrounds and language. A vibrant arts and culture scene is critical as a magnet for people to want to live, work and play in a city. If you're trying to draw businesses or attract talent, you have to provide those offerings. e Northeast Wisconsin Arts Association, which I co-founded with my business partner Greg Kinley, officially opened the doors in the fall of 2017. Greg is the director of operations, and I'm serving as the executive director, the face of the organization. NEWAA represents 28 different categories of artists and creatives — anything from visual artists and writers to performance artists, filmmakers and creative designers. We represent the same 18 counties as the New North. at was intentional; we need to be mindful of how arts and culture is such a critical component to quality of life. We had a so opening in September, then on Jan. 20, we had our grand opening. We expect to have several hundred members in the Jean Detjen on building the regional arts scene U P F R O N T FACE T I M E P H O T O G R A P H B Y M I C H A E L L E S C H I S I N / I M A G E S T U D I O S , F O R I N S I G H T Jean Detjen co-founded the Northeast Wisconsin Arts Association in the fall of 2017 with Greg Kinley, and the two hosted NEWAA's grand opening at Foxley's Gallery, Appleton, in January. A writing and marketing professional who was among the core group that launched Mile of Music, Detjen sat down with Insight Editor Margaret LeBrun to discuss her goal to grow NEWAA as a champion for artists throughout the 18-county region of the New North. [continued ] »