Upaf Names 2026 Community Campaign Co-Chairs as Arts Engagement Grows Regionally

MILWAUKEE, WI (February 17, 2026) – The performing arts remain a defining strength of Southeastern Wisconsin, drawing more than 650,000 audience members to stages across the region last year alone. To help carry that momentum forward, the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has named Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation, and Vince Vitrano, host of Wisconsin’s Morning News on Newsradio 620 WTMJ, as Co-Chairs of the 2026 UPAF Community Campaign.

As Co-Chairs, Gore and Vitrano will lead efforts to rally business, civic, and philanthropic support behind a performing arts ecosystem that serves communities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and strengthens the region’s cultural and economic vitality. Each year, UPAF raises millions of dollars in support of Southeastern Wisconsin’s performing arts community, including $9.1 million in 2025, ensuring that organizations of all sizes have the resources needed to serve audiences, students, and neighborhoods across the region.

In 2025, UPAF Member organizations delivered more than 1,300 performances, offered 150 free community performances and events, and reached more than 96,000 K–12 students through arts education initiatives. Together, these results underscore the strength of a community-powered model that keeps the arts accessible, vibrant, and essential across the region.

“Cecelia and Vince represent the best of Southeastern Wisconsin,” said Annemarie Scobey-Polacheck, President and CEO of UPAF. “Their leadership reflects a region defined by collaboration and generosity— fueling our area’s economic vitality. When leaders step forward, they nurture a community where creativity flourishes, young people find their voices, and the arts continue to connect and inspire us all.”

Gore and Vitrano will be formally introduced as this year’s Campaign Co-Chairs at the 2026 UPAF Community Campaign Launch taking place on Tuesday, February 24, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. at the Bradley Symphony Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The event will bring together donors, artists, corporate partners, and community leaders to celebrate this collective impact and outline priorities for the year ahead. Performances from UPAF Member organizations, including Bel Canto, Black Arts MKE, Danceworks, Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Rep, and Present Music, will showcase the depth and diversity of the region’s performing arts ecosystem.

“This launch represents more than the beginning of a campaign,” said Scobey-Polacheck. “It highlights the strength of a region that stands behind the arts year after year. That sustained investment from individuals and corporate leaders keeps the performing arts and arts education central to life in Southeastern Wisconsin.”

Registration is available at: https://www.upaf.org/2026launch.

About the Co-Chairs
Cecelia Gore leads the Brewers Community Foundation, the charitable arm of the Milwaukee Brewers. Throughout her career, she has guided grantmaking strategies, capital campaigns, and community investment efforts that have strengthened nonprofit organizations across the region.

“The performing arts are a reflection of our community’s creativity and resilience,” said Gore. “I am honored to help lead a campaign that ensures these experiences remain accessible to families, students, and audiences throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.”

Vince Vitrano is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and longtime media leader in Milwaukee. A vocal supporter of the performing arts, he was recognized with UPAF’s Jack M. Burchill Award in 2020 for significant contributions to promoting UPAF and the arts.

“The arts tell our story,” said Vitrano. “They bring people together, spark conversation, and enrich our daily lives. I’m proud to support UPAF’s mission and to help champion a campaign that strengthens the cultural heartbeat of our region.”

About UPAF
Since 1967, the United Performing Arts Fund has advanced the vitality of Southeastern Wisconsin by raising essential funds, providing strategic stewardship, and inspiring involvement in the performing arts. As the nation’s largest united fund dedicated to the performing arts, UPAF supports 14 Member organizations and 17 Affiliate partners, strengthening a balanced ecosystem of organizations that deliver artistic excellence, expand access, and invest in arts education throughout the region.

Through collective investment, UPAF ensures that music, theater, and dance remain a defining part of Southeastern Wisconsin’s identity and quality of life.

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.