Congratulations to Andy Nunemaker!
In presenting the 2026 EDDY Award, the Wilson Center honors Andy Nunemaker for his extraordinary generosity and lifelong commitment to the arts in the Milwaukee region. A passionate champion of both performing and visual arts, Andy's personal connection to music and early inspiration from visual art have shaped a philanthropic legacy rooted in access, excellence, and sustainability. His leadership includes more than two decades with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra-culminating in the creation of the Bradley Symphony Center-and current service as Board Chair of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Through board leadership, major fundraising efforts, and steadfast support of countless arts organizations, Andy's impact continues to strengthen and elevate the cultural life of our community.
What is the EDDY Award?
Endowed by Wilson Center supporters Kathryn Murphy Burke and John Burke, the EDDY is presented annually by the Wilson Center to an arts organization, corporation, or individual(s) whose philanthropic commitment to regional collaboration has created a higher standard of excellence in arts and arts education.
Honoring Pink Umbrella Theater Company!
The Wilson Center Bridge Committee has selected Pink Umbrella Theater Company as this year's recipient of the award, in recognition of their dedication to providing a platform to amplify voices of disabled artists.
Founded in September 2018, Pink Umbrella Theater Company is a fully inclusive theater company working alongside 70+ actors ages four through adult. Through professional productions, classes, and community partnerships, the company creates space for disabled artists to lead, create, and share their stories.
What is the Educational Excellence Award?
The 2026 Big Event will mark the eleventh year of the Educational Excellence Award, which recognizes organizational achievement by a nonprofit that exemplifies collaboration in the arts.
Recognizing Deanna!
The Wilson Center is also proud to honor Deanna L. Tillisch with the Impact Award, recognizing her enduring commitment to advancing the arts in Southeast Wisconsin. Her enduring commitment has earned widespread recognition and leaves a lasting legacy on the cultural vitality of the region.
What is the Impact Award?
The Wilson Center has previously recognized an individual whose life-long advocacy had positively rippled through the community, but this is the first annual official Impact Award.
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Theses honorees were reviewed and selected by a special advisory council consisting of arts advocates and community leaders known as the Bridge Committee. This group is committed to supporting the Wilson Center's efforts to strengthen the impact of regional collaboration for the long-term viability of the arts in Southeastern Wisconsin. The Bridge Committee was created by Kate Wilson, a lifelong champion for the arts. She envisioned the Bridge Committee as a way to bring arts advocates and supporters from the lakefront to the lake country together for the purpose of selecting the annual EDDY Award winner.
Bridge Committee members:
• Marybeth Budisch • Murph Burke • Peter Damsgaard, Co-Chair • Linda Edelstein • Steve Einhorn • Mark Kass • Carrie Matteson • George Meyer • Jeff Morin • Bridget Munson • Mark Niehaus • Andy Nunemaker • Maggey Oplinger, Co-Chair • Mark Sabljak • Sarah Smith Pancheri • Karen Spahn • Eric Tillich • Jan Wade • Stacey Williams • Kate Wilson • Laurie Winters • Sandy Wysocki •