The City of Altoona and Eau Claire Area EDC are excited to announce the 2022 Champion of Arts Recipient – Jason Jon Anderson, Executive Director of Pablo Center at the Confluence.
Presented annually, this award recognizes a community leader for exceptional advocacy, innovation, and sustained collaborations within the arts community of the Chippewa Valley.
On March 12th, 2020, the Pablo Center was shuttered due to a government mandate in response to the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Jason promptly began organizing a coalition of regional venues to form NIVA (National Independent Venue Association). 41 precinct captains were created to advocate locally and nationally for federal relief on behalf of shuttered live music venues, artists, and promoters. Currently, Jason serves NIVA as the Wisconsin Advocacy Captain as well as the Vice President of the Heartland Chapter (ND, SD, Iowa & WI).
Jason’s role was not only to advocate with legislators and administrations for the funds but to ensure communication with organizations throughout the pandemic regarding these resources. Jason’s efforts resulted in Wisconsin receiving $231,046,159.00 in federal funds for entities. The greater Chippewa Valley received $15,489,303 across 19 organizations.
