by Troy williams & kim viduski

Over 30 years ago, The Weidner transformed the arts and culture landscape of Northeast Wisconsin. We proudly continue to evolve, reaching beyond our walls to serve the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the Greater Green Bay community, and the arts. We are more uplifting, more engaging, and more connected than ever.

In 2021, as the world emerged from COVID-19, so did we – refocused, reenergized, and ready to create. At the heart of this new chapter? Collaboration. Our first major partnership was The Nutcracker at The Weidner, a dynamic production brought to life through a collaboration with Northeastern Wisconsin Dance Organization (NEWDO) and Weidner Philharmonic.

It was a bold step forward – hosting Green Bay’s only Nutcracker production with a live symphony orchestra. The first year? A promising start (by post-COVID standards). Steady attendance, Met expectations. Positive feedback. By year four? Three completely sold-out performances. An enthusiastic, growing audience. A deep demand for more.

Could The Weidner have staged The Nutcracker alone? Sure. But partnerships made it better in every way. NEWDO brought the dancers, the tradition, the passion. The Weidner brought the Philharmonic, the stage, and the drive to create something extraordinary with arts leaders in our community. Together, we built a production that is now a can’t miss annual event.

Commitment That Builds Community

True partnerships don’t just share resources – they share vision.

In 2022, The Weidner teamed up with Leaders in Green Bay’s Hispanic and Latino community to present ¡Estamos Aquí! Festival Hispano – a free, outdoor, arts & culture celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month (September). The first year welcomed 8,000 attendees. The second year, over 12,000! ¡Estamos Aquí! has become a festival enriched by live music, dance, food, culture and community spirit. Such immediate impact could not have been achieved without the shared commitment of The Weidner and our partners – to the festival as well as to each other. Viva!

It takes collaboration, trust, and the right partners coming together to create something meaningful. It’s proven to be impactful for The Weidner both internally and externally, and continues to build momentum, Holiday Pops at The Weidner teams up with the Dudley Birder Chorale of St. Norbert College and Weidner Philharmonic. Our partnership with Innovation Arts & Entertainment makes the Broadway In Green Bay series possible – getting bigger and bolder every year.

And it doesn’t stop there! In 2025, a brand-new partnership will be introduced! While we can’t say much just yet…let’s just say…it will be music to your ears!