Founded in September 1987, the Wisconsin Presenters Network (WPN) emerged through the support of the Wisconsin Arts Board and a growing need for Wisconsin performing arts presenters to work collaboratively, WPN brought together individuals and organizations presenting professional performing arts, creating a network through which presenters could share information, coordinate touring artists, explore booking opportunities, and strengthen the presenting field across the state. The organization was designed to serve as both an operational and programmatic resource, helping presenters build relationships with one another while expanding opportunities for professional performing arts to reach communities throughout Wisconsin.

WPN’s roots are closely tied to the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Wisconsin Union Theater, home to presenter Fan Taylor, a pioneering figure in the national performing arts presenting field. In 1957, Taylor helped establish the Association of College and University Concert Managers (ACUCM). As the presenting field evolved and its membership expanded throughout the 1960s and 1970s to include a broader range of organizations, the association changed its name in 1973 to the Association of College, University and Community Arts Administrators (ACUCAA). By the mid-1980s, colleges and universities no longer represented the majority of its membership, reflecting the organization’s increasingly broad scope. In 1986, Susie Farr became executive director and began leading the organization through a period of transition, including the relocation of its national office from Madison, Wisconsin, to Washington, D.C. In 1988, the organization adopted the name Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP).

WPN’s own development was shaped by Wisconsin’s growing commitment to bringing professional performing arts to communities throughout the state. While the organization was founded as a broad network for performing arts presenters, dance became an important part of its early programming. In 1992, WPN partnered with the Wisconsin Arts Board to launch Wisconsin Dance on Tour, an initiative designed to bring professional dance companies to communities across Wisconsin. Wisconsin Dance on Tour reflected WPN’s broader mission of strengthening the presenting field while increasing access to high-quality professional performing arts throughout the state.

Building on this legacy of presenter collaboration and advocacy, WPN expanded beyond its Wisconsin roots in 1991 to serve members across the region, including Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. For nearly five decades, WPN has supported presenters and strengthened the professional performing arts ecosystem by fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and helping its members bring exceptional artists and experiences to their communities.