ARTi Gras is a four-day arts festival. The idea was inspired by the carnival in New Orleans as a way to bring a vibrant, colorful, energizing city event to snow-covered Wisconsin in the doldrums of winter. We may not have the sun and warmth for parades midwinter, but we have artists of all types and ages who bring their own energy and creative input. Not only is ARTi Gras a fun, educational, and social-gathering event, but it is also a way to put a bright spotlight on the arts, showing off our award-winning community artists, bringing back some of our successful home-grown talents, and adding some out-of-town artists and performers into the mix for additional spice.

Impetus came from discussions between the Central Wisconsin Cultural Center and the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre about how to engage the community in celebration of the richness of cultural resources in our area and draw attention to the many educational and expressive opportunities available to all. The organizational team consists of Cathy Meils (Festival Chair), Lisa Brazeau, and Joe Bruener. CWCC and WRCT are the anchor organizations of the event.