by troy williams

It’s pretty simple – the arts are great, and you deserve them.

It’s even enshrined in the International Declaration of Human Rights (1948) – article 27 states: “Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.” Boom.

The arts hold a vital place in any thriving community – not just as entertainment, but as powerful tools for connection, creativity and cultural expression. It’s when access to the arts is prioritized and open to all, the entire community benefits.

Access is really the key word. As true as the benefits of performing arts may be, it is also true that there are many barriers to experiencing them. Price tags, mobility, feelings of belonging, etc. So, what can we do about it at The Weidner to try and smash those barriers? Well, we’re going to have to take some chances – and we’re hoping you’ll take some too.

We’ve asked ourselves how many people would take a chance to see live, professional Shakespeare if they could decide the price of admission? What if we made our opening symphony concert free and open to the public? How can we ensure that participation in the cultural life of our community isn’t limited to those who can meet a price a tag? Would you be open to trying something new?

We’re taking chances – and we’re making it happen.

This September (Friday, September 5 to be exact), we’re kicking off our 2025-2026 Weidner Philharmonic Concert series with a free concert. The concert is called, EcoRhythms and it is FREE to attend and open to the public. That’s right, all you’ve got to do is show up…but make sure to come a little early because we’re planning some cool festivities in the parking lot before the music begins. Some orchestral tailgating if you will.

Also, make sure you’re marking your calendar for the following Saturday (September 13 that is) for Estamos Aqui Festival Hispano. This outdoor arts and culture festival in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, is quickly becoming the cultural experience of the year! Live music, food trucks, car show, mercadito and more – it’s also entirely free to attend and everyone is welcome.

And that thing we mentioned about live Shakespeare where you decide your own ticket price? Let’s just say there’s more to come on that…wink wink.

Your access to the arts does not stop there. Did you know there are free to attend live performances at The Weidner year-round?

The 6:30 Concert Series showcases surprsing and experimental works from UW-Green Bay Sharon J. Resch Institute of Music faculty and guest artists. Also, all UW-Green Bay Music student concerts are free to experience and open to the public. Be sure to check out our EveryBodyArts calendar of events at WeidnerCenter.com to stay up to date on free or low-cost performances throughout the year.

Additionally, our friends at SAGE (Share. Accept. Grow. Encourage) have created a “Social Prescription Calendar” of curated arts and culture events throughout Brown County that are free to participants and attendees – CreateWithSAGE.org.

So, with all these chances being taken, will you, to quote ABBA, take a chance on us?