Awarded Best Economic Development Initiative in Wisconsin!
Who We Are.
CREATE has become a leading voice in the field of small-city, people-centered community and economic development. Established in 2004 as an arts advocacy organization, CREATE learned quickly how to leverage creativity and culture to attract and support people with big ideas. We launched an innovation center to grow those big ideas and to accelerate creative ventures in the arts, business, and community impact.
CREATE now works at the overlaps of creative placemaking, social cohesion, and entrepreneurial ecosystem building. We are helping communities activate people, places, and possibilities that improve quality of life and strengthen local economies.
OUR TEAM
+ KRISTIN HUBBARD DOSTAL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
she/her
Kristin Hubbard Dostal is top-performing, goal orientated, forward-thinking professional, who leads by focusing on core values, community, and collaboration. She brings a wealth of experience, deep local connections, and a passion for supporting creativity.
Kristin previously worked as as the Executive Director at the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin, where she also served as the Development Director and Program Director. Her background in running a small business as a photographer gives her a unique perspective and understanding of the needs of our creative community. Kristin holds an accounting degree from Mid-State Technical College and has completed the Nonprofit Leadership Institute, adding valuable skills and knowledge to her repertoire.
+ RYAN BRANWELL
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
he/him
Ryan Branwell is a results-driven, innovative event manager dedicated to achieving goals through core values, community engagement, and collaboration. With extensive experience and strong local connections, he is passionate about nurturing creativity and fostering inclusive environments.
Ryan has successfully partnered with CREATE for several years, spearheading initiatives that empower queer and diverse voices while strengthening community ties. His expertise in event management, relationship building, and strategic planning has led to impactful events that inspire creativity and promote cultural enrichment.
+ GARRETT KATERZYNSKE
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND DIGITAL MARKETING
he/him
Garrett Katerzynske utilizes his experience in film production, advertising, journalism and media studies to support a range of projects and resources within CREATE. His passion for the creative arts and ability to communicate strategically help connect our members and enhance our overall brand.
In every project he pursues, he strives to bring aesthetics in sync with authentic storytelling and strategic goals. Collaboration and careful consideration are key to his approach, ensuring our full community is considered within a rapidly-evolving creative landscape.
HIGHLIGHTS
HONORS, ACHIEVEMENTS, & PUBLICATIONS
2020 - Selected as one of Portage County's People of the Year by the Stevens Point Journal.
2020 - Paint the County! and it’s “Voices Project” chosen to be part of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission.
2020 - Awarded funds through A Community Thrives for anti-racism efforts.
2020 - Recipient of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association’s “Economic Development Initiative of the Year.”
2020 - Supported the installation of a marker recognizing the burial ground on which UWSP was built.
2020 - Paint the County! selected as part of Arts Wisconsin’s and the WEDC’s Creative Workforce program.
2020 - Supported the creation of a Diversity Affairs & Inclusion Committee at the County Board.
2020 - Produced 4,000+ face shields for frontline COVID-19 workers with key community partners.
2019 - Selected as one of Portage County's People of the Year by the Stevens Point Journal.
2019 - Piloted the Fellowship Program with the MBA at UW-Stevens Point.
2019 - Featured in the Wisconsin Counties Magazine for “Using Culture as an Accelerator.”
2019 - Interviewed for Strong Town’s “It’s the Little Things” podcast on “Fostering Creative (and Financially Resilient) Communities."
2019 - Awarded funds through A Community Thrives in support of the IDEA Center, an innovation hub.
2019 - Featured on a Highway to Well podcast focused creativity and wellness.
2019 - Supports the launch of Portage County’s first ever Hmong Week.
2019 - Invited onto Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Route 51” to discuss creative placemaking.
2018 - Invited to present at the Creative Placemaking Leadership Summit in Chattanooga on using creativity to reenergize small-town economies.
2018 - Invited as a featured case study, speaking at the closing session of the ArtsLab cultural development program.
2017 - Selected as one of Portage County's People of the Year by the Stevens Point Journal.
2017 - Supported the launch of Hatch, which would grow into a statewide pitch competition.
2017 - Works with the Stevens Point Brewery on a mural to commemorate their 160th anniversary.
2017 - Presented the IDEA Center concept at the annual Wisconsin Educators of Business & IT Conference.
2017 - Invited to speak at the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters conversation on creativity and small-town economies.
2017 - Selected to participate in the Levitt AMP [Your City] program, bringing ten weeks of free live music to the Pfiffner Bandshell.
2016 - Presents with the Central WI Economic Research Bureau on “The New Economy: How Creative Communities Attract Growth.”
2016 - The #OrangeBarrelArt Tour, in partnership with the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, wins the 2016 Wisconsin Tourism Trailblazer Award.
2016 - Newaukee invites CREATE to share its IDEA Center concept at their Empty Storefronts conference in Madison.
2016 - The Arts Alliance of Portage County relaunches as CREATE Portage County.
2015 - The Alexander Landerman mural "The Fox Can" is featured as part of the Fort Collins Mural Monday project.
2015 - The Wisconsin Main Street program invites the Arts Alliance to speak about downtown revitalization and placemaking.
2015 - Milwaukee Biz Times names Greg Wright, Executive Director, the Innovator to Watch for the arts in Wisconsin.
2015 - Arts Wisconsin invites the Arts Alliance to present on the Creative Economy at Arts Day 2015.
2014 - The "Celebrate the Arts" program earns the "Arts Destination Marketing Award" from Destination Marketing International and Americans for the Arts.
2013 - The WI Department of Tourism awards the Arts Alliance and the Convention & Visitors Bureau a JEM Grant for their "Celebrate the Arts" campaign.
2011 - Bill Schierl, President & Founder, receives the "Arts in the Community" award from Arts Wisconsin.