Advocates for the War Memorial Center and the Milwaukee Art Museum are optimistic about their future after a compromise agreement was reached recently to provide long-term county funding for both.
The deal would provide $1.6 million dollars in annual funding for a decade to the two institutions. They’ve both been wrestling with looming maintenance problems – leaky roofs, crumbling concrete. Each group would have separate leases with the county, and the deal would change the governance board that oversees the facilities.
The agreement was passed unanimously by the County Board, though it could still be vetoed by County Executive Chris Abele. He’s complained about the costs involved and changes in oversight.
But Milwaukee Art Museum director Dan Keegan, War Memorial director David Drent, and County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic believe it is the best possible solution for both organizations.
