Ald. Coggs to receive Create Wisconsin’s Creative Community Champion Award
Alderwoman will also participate in key panel discussion on arts
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs will be presented with the 2025 Creative Community Champion Award from Create Wisconsin tomorrow (Thursday, September 18) at the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Annual Conference at the Baird Center.
In announcing the award for Alderwoman Coggs, Create Wisconsin cited the Alderwoman’s “outstanding advocacy and support of arts and cultural investment, engagement and access for all Milwaukeeans.”
Alderwoman Coggs, chair of the City of Milwaukee Arts Board, said she is “humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award from Create Wisconsin.”
“We are honored to recognize Alderwoman Coggs as an outstanding advocate for Milwaukee’s artistry and creativity,” said Carolyn Nelson-Kavajecz, Create Wisconsin Board President. “As an active civic champion, she helps honor the voices and visions of artists who contribute to the city’s cultural richness and authentic sense of place, and makes sure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from involvement in the arts and culture.”
The annual Creative Community Champion Awards are presented by Create Wisconsin in partnership with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. The awards honor civic leaders as champions and communities in Wisconsin focused on creativity as integral to economic, educational, and community vitality. Create Wisconsin has presented these awards to these champions – individuals, organizations, businesses, and local government agencies – since 2009.
The Awards are sponsored by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Ruth Foundation for the Arts, and the Kohler Foundation.
During the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Annual Conference session on Thursday, Alderwoman Coggs will be a panelist for a discussion titled ARTS, CULTURE, AND CREATIVITY: 21st century investment for municipalities.
The description of the panel discussion: ‘Investment in the arts, culture, and creative economy is investment in an industry that strengthens local economic and civic well-being, brings people together, and builds more vibrant communities for residents and visitors. Hear a panel of local leaders in the arts, economic development, government, and civic engagement on growing unique partnerships and coalitions, addressing civic issues, and developing communities as hubs of creativity. Presented by Create Wisconsin and City of Milwaukee Arts Board.’
Other panelists include:
• Marcela Garcia, Director, Walker’s Point Center for the Arts (moderator)
• Marilu Knode, President, Cultural Compound LLC
• Symphony Swan-Zawadi, Director, CR8TV House
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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Ald. Coggs to receive Create Wisconsin’s Creative Community Champion Award
Sep 17th, 2025 by Ald. Milele CoggsAlderwoman will also participate in key panel discussion on arts
