About Us
The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters produces programs and publications that explore, explain, and sustain Wisconsin thought and culture. Our signature publication is Wisconsin People & Ideas, the quarterly magazine of Wisconsin thought and culture; programs include the James Watrous Gallery in Overture Center for the Arts, which showcases contemporary art from Wisconsin; Academy Talks, a series of public lectures and discussion forums; Wisconsin Initiatives, exploring major sustainability issues and solutions; and a Fellows Program, which recognizes accomplished individuals with a lifelong commitment to intellectual discourse and public service. The Wisconsin Academy also supports the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission and many other endeavors that elevate Wisconsin thought and culture.
Mission
To cultivate civil discourse, increase understanding, and create common ground by connecting Wisconsin people and ideas.
Vision
A future where people in Wisconsin are connected to illuminating ideas and knowledge, as well as to one another.
Purpose
The Wisconsin Academy cultivates civil discourse, creates common ground, and increases the understanding we have for one another and the world we share through exploration of the sciences, arts, and letters.
If you share our values and vision for a brighter future inspired by Wisconsin ideas, become a member of the Wisconsin Academy or get in touch with us and join our community today!
Academy Foundation and Board Members
Meet our Board of Directors and Foundation members
Diversity Equity & Inclusion
At the Academy, we believe this better, brighter future will:
- Always strive to be more equitable and just while critically examining history and exclusionary systems,
- Value and protect cultural resources and the natural world,
- Embrace diverse cultures and voices by actively bringing marginalized voices to the table for dialogue and deliberation,
- Celebrate diversity by making participation in the sciences, arts, and letters more inviting and inclusive,
- Encourage lifelong learning within and outside of traditional education systems.
Download the Wisconsin Academy Diversity Equity and Inclusion Vision Statement
Wisconsin Academy Land Acknowledgement
The Madison office of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters occupies ancestral Ho-Chunk Land, a place their Nation knows as Teejop (day-JOPE), which translates to Four Lakes. We recognize and respect the sovereignty of the Ho-Chunk Nation, as well as the 11 other First Nations who are caretakers and stewards of the place we now call Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters is a member of the National Association of Academies of Science and American Association for the Advancement of Science.