Donna Baumgartner

Milwaukee Ballet Presents Holiday Favorite The Nutcracker

Nearly 200 dancers to perform across three weekends of festive performances

Milwaukee Ballet Premieres “Casanova” in the Midwest

The sensational production will open Milwaukee Ballet’s 2024/25 Season from November 1-3

Milwaukee Ballet Ends Season with Contemporary Show “MKE MIX”

Three female choreographers present boundary-pushing works in the Company’s annual triple-bill.

Milwaukee Ballet to Enchant Audiences with “Cinderella”

The magical production to include six performances, a student matinee, and a charitable shoe drive.

Milwaukee Ballet Presents Choreographic Competition ‘Genesis’

Three International Choreographers Compete for Contract to Create New Work

Milwaukee Ballet’s Second Company Presents “Momentum”

Milwaukee Ballet II stages contemporary and classical works during their two-weekend production.

Milwaukee Art Museum Unveils New Lights

Stark white building gets its first dash of color on the darkest day of the year.

BMO Makes New 5-Year Commitment to Presenting “The Nutcracker” with Milwaukee Ballet

5-Year sponsorship gift ensures continuation of beloved Milwaukee Ballet production

Milwaukee Ballet’s ‘Dracula’ to Enrapture Audiences this Halloween

The Wildly Popular Production Returns October 26-29 at Marcus Center

Milwaukee Ballet Reaches $5 Million ‘Nutcracker’ Campaign Goal

The New Production Will Debut December 8 at Marcus Performing Arts Center

Milwaukee Ballet to Wrap 2022/23 Season with Encore

The season finale takes place in the Company’s Third Ward Studio June 1-11

Milwaukee Ballet’s ‘Peter Pan’ To Hook Audiences This Spring

The Beloved Journey to Neverland Returns May 11-14 at Marcus Center

Milwaukee Ballet Presents Dark Tale “Hunchback of Notre Dame”

Victor Hugo's Literary Classic Comes Alive March 23-26 at Marcus Center

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Announces $150,000 Sustainability Campaign Challenge Match led by Caran and Joel Quadracci through the Windhover Foundation with support from Donna and Donald Baumgartner and the Herzfeld Foundation

Campaign Deadline Extended to Tuesday, March 7th

Milwaukee Ballet’s Second Company Presents Annual Showcase

Milwaukee Ballet II stages three original works and a classical scene during their two-weekend production on February 25 and March 4.

Milwaukee Ballet Presents a Powerful Triple-Bill with Originals

Contemporary ballet returns to The Pabst Theater February 9-12 as Timothy O’Donnell stages final work as Resident Choreographer

Wilson Center Announces 2023 Big Event Honorees

Keith Mardak and Mary Vandenberg; and Latino Arts, Inc. to be Honored as Award Recipients

Milwaukee Ballet Opens Season with Swan Lake

The most beloved of classic ballet productions runs November 3-6 at Marcus Center

Milwaukee Ballet Announces 2022/23 Season Roster

Company welcomes two new dancers and celebrates Pink’s 20th season

Milwaukee Ballet Presents Michael Pink’s Beauty and the Beast

The enchanting family-friendly season finale runs May 19-22

Milwaukee Ballet Presents Two World Premieres in PUSH

The production is set for March 31-April 3 after a two-year postponement

Contemporary Woven Pictures by Christy Matson Highlighted in New Milwaukee Art Museum Exhibition

Currents 38 exhibition focuses on Matson’s transformation of a traditional medium into a contemporary art form.

Milwaukee Ballet Dances Back to the Big Stage with Connect

Dance Company returns to Marcus Performing Arts Center October 28-31

Milwaukee Art Museum to Unveil Large-Scale Mural Installation by Artist Derrick Adams

The monumental work inspired by the legacy of The Negro Motorist Green Book will be installed in the Museum’s East End overlooking Lake Michigan

Milwaukee Ballet Returns to Marcus Performing Arts Center for 2021/22 Season of Inspiration

Program to include Beauty and the Beast and seven world premieres

Marcus Center Begins Redevelopment

First phase calls for overhaul of Uihlein Hall, live-streaming technology and revamping grounds.

Milwaukee Art Museum Reopening July 16

The Milwaukee Art Museum will reopen to the public July 16, with free admission for one month.

Oriental Theatre Closed for Summer, Plans Renovations

Milwaukee Film continuing plan to fully restore 1927 movie palace.

Donald & Donna Baumgartner and The Elizabeth Quadracci Harned Family Team Up for a Double-Down For Artists Challenge at Milwaukee Repertory Theater

Film Fans Turn Out in Record Numbers for 2019 Milwaukee Film Festival

Audience award winners include documentaries on Toni Morrison, Molly Ivins

Milwaukee Film Doubles Cash Support for Brico Forward Fund Winners

Global filmmakers and local champions recognized at annual Filmmaker Awards Brunch

Milwaukee Ballet welcomes Above the Clouds as a resident community partner

New Baumgartner Center for Dance enables the program to deepen impact in the community

The Florentine Opera Company Announces its 2019-20 Baumgartner Studio Artists

Soprano Kathryn Henry, mezzo-soprano Meghan Folkerts, tenor Luke Selker and baritone Samuel James Dewese.

Milwaukee Film Expands Festival Footprint

Cedarburg and the Third Ward Neighborhoods Added. Rivoli Theatre and Broadway Theatre Center Join as New Film Venues

The Florentine Opera Company Celebrates a Final Bow, Interim Chorus Master and Vocal Coach

The Florentine Opera Company is excited to announce Dr. Benjamin Rivera, as Interim Chorus Master.

2019 Milwaukee Film Festival Ticket Packages and Passes on Sale This Week

Through Aug. 1, Festival passes, 6-packs and new 10-packs boast the biggest discount of the season, with Milwaukee Film Members earning an additional discount as part of their benefits.

New Florentine Leader Hit the Ground Running

Maggey Oplinger combines business and artistic skills and knows the city well.

Historic Pipe Organ at Milwaukee Film’s Oriental Theatre to Bring Back Some Movie Magic

Milwaukee Film has secured a 1925 Wurlitzer, which is currently being prepared for future installation

Milwaukee Film Launches Next Phase of Restoration at Historic Oriental Theatre

All phase-two projects are scheduled to be complete before the 2019 Milwaukee Film Festival.

The Florentine Opera Company announces its 2019-2020 Season

The Florentine Opera launches its mainstage season on October 11 & 13, 2019 with Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.

Conductor Francesco Milioto joins the Florentine Opera as Artistic Advisor

"I am thrilled to join the Florentine Opera Company as artistic advisor, and bring my passion for opera to Milwaukee."

Milwaukee Ballet announces $500,000 donation from the Argosy Foundation

Gift supports of the expansion of the Company’s educational and engagement initiatives

Milwaukee Ballet Announces 50th Anniversary Season

2019-20 season features Michael Pink’s celebrated Peter Pan and grand opening of new facility

Milwaukee Film Achieves $10 Million Fundraising Goal

While the campaign enjoyed support from over 900 contributors, several highly committed philanthropists supported the campaign through generous lead donations.

Milwaukee Ballet’s New Home

Baumgartner Center for Dance intended to elevate ballet's presence around the world.

2019 Milwaukee Film Festival Dates Announced

Film submissions for the annual event are now being accepted

5 Citizens To Give Sincere Thanks

Our Thanksgiving class of 2018, five Milwaukeeans who've made this a better city.

Milwaukee Film Announces Take A Seat Campaign

Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig launch a $1.5 million challenge match

Milwaukee Film Announce Guests at 10th Annual Festival

Oscar winner John Ridley and Emmy winning actress Felicity Huffman to appear on panel in partnership with Nō Studios; Netflix star DeWanda Wise, rapper Speech, and 100+ guests attending the festival

Over $800,000 in New and Increased Sponsorship Raised for 10th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival

The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation and The Yabuki Family Foundation join 31 new sponsors. This is the largest increase in cash and in-kind support in the organization’s history.

Cream City Cinema Showcases Region’s Diverse Filmmaking Talent

HBO presents new Cream City Cinema Emerging Voices Award to accelerate a local filmmaker’s career

Ballet Makes Progress On New Center

Beam signing shows new Baumgartner Center in Third Ward closer to completion.

Big Stars, Oscar Winners, and Locals Enter the Spotlight at 10th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival

Sundance & SXSW Festival Favorite, directed by Milwaukee native, selected for Opening Night. Filmmakers are scheduled to attend Opening Night, Centerpiece, and Closing Night films

Cine Sin Fronteras Line-Up Marked by Themes of History and Celebration

Birds of Passage, Colombia’s Foreign Language Oscar selection, to be featured

Milwaukee Filmmaker Alliance and Northwestern Mutual Partner to Spotlight Growing Industries

Northwestern Mutual will be investing in the local area filmmaking economy by tapping members of the MFA to develop videos that highlight the Milwaukee area’s growing and vibrant tech industry.

The Florentine Opera Reflects on the Challenges and Triumphs of its 84th Season at the 2018 Annual Meeting

And Presents Donald & Donna Baumgartner with Igniter Award

10th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival Boasts Three New Program Categories

Six films are slated to make their world premieres at the festival this fall

Milwaukee Motorcycle Film Festival Welcomes Harley-Davidson Motor Co™

Milwaukee Film celebrates the Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary through film

Oriental Theatre to Host World Premiere of Definitive Betty White Documentary

Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, coming soon

2018 Brico Forward Fund Application Now Open

The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on Sunday, September 9, 2018 and winners will be announced during the 2018 Milwaukee Film Festival.

RZA: Live From the 36th Chamber

Milwaukee Film members can purchase tickets for $36 beginning Wednesday, July 18 at 9AM

Milwaukee Ballet Breaks Ground on the Baumgartner Center for Dance

Capital Campaign to support the new facility nearly 85% towards goal

Sculpture Milwaukee kicks off June 1 with live entertainment and free lunch

Northwestern Mutual Gardens to host ribbon-cutting ceremony from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The Arts and Culture Building Boom

Symphony, Ballet, Discovery World and Art Museum expansions transforming the city.

Milwaukee Ballet Stages Iconic Swan Lake as Season Finale

World-Famous Ballet Returns to Marcus Center, May 31-June 3

The Florentine Opera announces its 85th Anniversary Season

The Florentine will begin its season on October 12 & 14, 2018 with the production and live recording of Carlisle Floyd’s Prince of Players

Herzfeld Foundation Endows Curator of Photography and Media Arts Position at Milwaukee Art Museum

$3.5 million commitment continues the Herzfeld investment in highlighting photography at the Museum, and a steady trend of endowed positions at the institution.

Milwaukee Film Hires Sara Meaney to New Chief Marketing Officer Role

Organization appoints four new board members, including chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Mark Mone, and president of Marquette University, Michael Lovell

Milwaukee Ballet Announces 2018-19 Season

49th season features Dracula, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and five new works

Let Us Now Praise Young Creators

Milwaukee Ballet partners young choreographers and dancers with local musicians.

Milwaukee Ballet Mixes Contemporary Choreographers with Local Artists in MXE Milwaukee Mixed at The Pabst

MXE Milwaukee Mixed is the first program in which Milwaukee Ballet will stage work solely created by its own artists, as well as using local musicians and poets.

2018 Milwaukee Film Festival Opens Call For Entries

Free Entry for All Films; Festival Offers To Pay for Work That Is Screened

Home for the Holidays in Riverwest

Florentine’s young artists perform holiday favorites in popular annual show.

Milwaukee Film Celebrates 10th Anniversary; Announces 2018 Festival Dates

Festival organizers hope the later dates will expand programming opportunities.

Donald and Donna Baumgartner make $1.5 million gift to the Florentine Opera

Gift will support the Studio Artist program

Milwaukee’s Film Industry is Bigger Than Beer

Film industry grew by 10% (2010-2015); double the rate of local economy

Record-breaking Milwaukee Film Festival Attendance; 9% Increase to 84,702

The Blood is at the Doorstep wins Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award

Milwaukee Ballet presents 2nd annual sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker

Partnership with Autism Speaks and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts gives live theater option for the community

Over $140,000 in Cash and Production Services Awarded at Milwaukee Film Festival

$87,000 in cash and over $60,000 in production services awarded

Milwaukee Film Receives Continued and Increased Support From Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor, Associated Bank, expands partnership through Milwaukee Film Checking 30 new sponsors provide increase of $301,000 in cash & in-kind support

Presenting the Milwaukee Filmmaker Alliance

Former DreamWorks SKG executive hired as director of new organization created to cultivate, connect, and catalyze Milwaukee area film industry

Laughter, Inspiration, & Cocktails: Milwaukee Film Reveals Spotlight Presentations

Director and subjects set to attend inspiring Opening Night film STUMPED. U.S. Premiere scheduled for documentary celebrating creative cocktails, Schumann’s Bar Talks.

Milwaukee Film Announces Full Lineup of Cream City Cinema Program

Popular annual program supports local filmmakers with $12,500 in cash prizes to be awarded. WebsterX, The Fatty Acids, and IshDARR music videos to be a part of shorts showcase

Milwaukee Film Announces Return of Cine Sin Fronteras Program

Latinx diaspora program expanded after successful inaugural year

Milwaukee Film Announces Full Black Lens Program Lineup

John Ridley returns with new documentary Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992. Program expands with total of 8 feature films and 2 shorts programs

Milwaukee Film Announces Dramatic Expansion, Leases Oriental Theatre for 31 Years

Secures Largest Gift In Its History: $2,000,000 from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele

Sculpture Milwaukee Opens to Public

City now has a world-class sculpture exhibition on its main street.

Milwaukee Ballet Offers Deliciously Dark Reflection on Snow White with Mirror Mirror

Daring dance drama returns to the Marcus Center June 1-4

Private Collections of the Wealthy

"Milwaukee Collects" at Milwaukee Art Museum offers great works by local collectors.

2017 Milwaukee Film Festival Call for Entries Now Open

Festival Offers to Pay for All Work Screened; Free Entry for All Films; $34,500 in Cash Prizes Promised

Milwaukee Ballet announces 2017–18 Season

Highlights include world premiere of Michael Pink’s Beauty and the Beast; Unique Made in Milwaukee program at The Pabst; return of La Bohème

Milwaukee Art Museum offers visitors another year of Meijer free admission days

Monthly free day and extended hours have switched to Thursdays in 2017

Milwaukee Ballet Announces Three Finalists of Genesis: International Choreographic Competition

Artists from Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States will compete for top prize

Milwaukee Ballet Opens Season with a Pair of Majestic One-Act Ballets

Stunning Scheherazade appears alongside picturesque Angels in the Architecture, Oct 20-23

Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Expected Festival Guests

Headliners include Academy Award-winner John Ridley, Emmy Award-winner Sam Pollard, The Blind Side actor Quinton Aaron, Silicon Valley actor Martin Starr, and Arrested Development actor Mae Whitman

The Florentine Opera Celebrates The Artistic Milestones of its 82nd Season

The Florentine celebrated the triumphs of the 2015-2016 Season – a great classic and new works, the first year of Adam Wiensch, Esq.’s board presidential term, and the honoring of Community Partners including Colectivo Coffee Roasters.

2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Box Office Opens on Thursday

Today is last day to buy discounted festival passes and ticket 6-Packs. New Age Narcissism headlines Opening Night Party

Disney’s Queen of Katwe and Academy Award-Winners Highlight Spotlight Presentations

Festival opens with Life, Animated from Academy Award-winner Roger Ross Williams. Milwaukee 53206: A Community Serves Time returns to Milwaukee after sold-out June premiere

2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces John Ridley to Join Board of Directors

Academy Award-winner and Mequon native will be this year’s keynote speaker

2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Cream City Cinema Program Lineup

58 locally-made films to be presented; $12,500 to be awarded in juried prizes

2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Reveals Cine Sin Fronteras Program Lineup

Showcasing the rich and vibrant Latinx diaspora through cinema

2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Launches Sportsball! and United States of Cinema Programs

Programs include feature-length sports documentaries and American independent fiction films

2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Black Lens Program Lineup

Showcases fiction and documentary films from emerging and established African-American directors

2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Reveals Second List of Official Selections

Lineup includes Beware the Slenderman and a new sports documentary program

Milwaukee Film Announces Addition of Mark Sabljak to Festival Staff

Former Milwaukee Business Journal publisher and market president joins team for 2016 film festival

2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Reveals First List of Official Selections

Milwaukee Film announces new Latinx diaspora program and film festival venues

Milwaukee Film Announces World Premiere Screening of Milwaukee 53206

Film explores the lives of those affected by mass incarceration in Milwaukee

Donald Baumgartner’s Princely Mansion

The generous plutocrat's River Hills home is fit to entertain a prince, and actually did.

Milwaukee Art Museum Announces New Director

Marcelle Polednik selected from field of dozens of national candidates; poised to harness Museum’s momentum

Donna and Donald Baumgartner make historic endowment gift to Milwaukee Art Museum

$8 million gift dedicated to support Museum Director; largest gift ever made to institution’s endowment

Milwaukee Film Festival Announces 2016 Campaign Art & Early Ticket Sales

Up to 40% off Festival Passes and ticket 6-Packs

Milwaukee Ballet to present wonderful, whimsical ALICE (in wonderland)

Following sold-out runs in four cities, family favorite will be a colorful season finale

Milwaukee Film Announces Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Grant

Festival Among 16 FilmWatch Grant Recipients; Received $10,000 in Cash for Black Lens Program

Milwaukee Ballet Offers Modern View on Dance Through Kaleidoscope Eyes

Contemporary presentation features the music of The Beatles and two world premieres

Milwaukee Ballet announces 2016-17 Season

Highlights include exotic Scheherazade; Romantic classic La Sylphide; Return of Pink’s evocative Mirror Mirror

2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Call for Entries Now Open

Festival Offers to Pay for All Work Screened; Free Entry for All Films; $27,000 in Cash Prizes Promised

Announcing 2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Dates: September 22 – October 6

Donald and Donna Baumgartner renew support with organization’s largest gift to date

Milwaukee Ballet Tempts Audiences with New Dance Drama, Dorian Gray

Michael Pink adds to master storyteller legacy with premiere of famous cautionary tale

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Attracts 70,885 Attendees for a 10% Increase Over 2014

The Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award for feature film goes to Romeo is Bleeding

Puppies & Kittens! Milwaukee Film Festival Unveils 2015 Sponsor Trailer

Sponsor Trailer a collaboration with Wisconsin Humane Society

Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Over 100 Expected Guests

Headliners include actors Raven-Symoné and John Ashton; documentary subjects April Carrión and Moziah Bridges; award-winning directors Chad Gracia and Stanley Nelson

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Box Office Now Open

Opening Night Party melds film and community with audience, donors and sponsors

Milwaukee Film Festival Announces 2015 Panels


Chicago Tribune film critic, Michael Phillips, to deliver Keynote Address;
 Panels on Policing and Education highlight the imperative and topical nature of festival documentaries

Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Full 2015 Lineup

Festival to open with Youth; Oscar winner Paolo Sorrentino’s new film stars Michael Caine & Harvey Keitel. Award-winning films plentiful in Documentary Festival Favorites and Worldviews programs

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Competition Films

Eight Feature Films Competing for $10,000 Cash Prize - South Milwaukee Native Chad Gracia’s The Russian Woodpecker Included

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Cream City Cinema Lineup

The Milwaukee Music Video Show debuts as new program

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Shorter Is Better Lineup

Presenting nearly 60 of the best festival-circuit short films and the return of the Shorter Is Better juried award

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Passport: Sweden Program

Passport: Sweden proves that cold weather produces cool art

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Cinema Hooligante Films

Highlighted by 35 mm Anniversary Screenings of Jaws & The Shining

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Return of Film Feast Program

Film Feast celebrates Milwaukee’s proud food culture with eight food-related films

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Rated K: For Kids

All-ages program features live action, animation and 20th Anniversary of Babe: The Gallant Pig

2015 MFF Reveals Return of African-American-Focused Black Lens Program

Showcasing fiction and documentary films from emerging and established directors in the black community. The Johnson Controls Foundation provides new financial support.

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Sound Vision Program

Music film program returns with scheduled appearance by legendary DJ Marco Collins. Koss joins as new sponsor, presenting the program and donating headphones

Milwaukee Film Announces 2014 Festival Dates, New Programming Hire

Sixth Annual Milwaukee Film Festival runs September 25-October 9