Mission Statement

The purpose of the WAUPACA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL shall act to foster the arts through promotion and sponsorship of artistic programs, cultural activities, and educational leadership to further promote artistic appreciation to the citizens of the Waupaca area.

The Fine Arts Festival was founded by Waupaca High School Choral Director, Gerald C. Knoepfel in 1963. It all began with his desire to produce Mendelssohn’s Oratorio, “Elijah” with a Community Chorus and Civic Orchestra. His dream became a reality later that year when the first Community Chorus and Civic Orchestra presented its first annual concert.

Since that time, the Fine Arts Festival, its membership, along with generous contributions from the citizens of Waupaca and beyond, are responsible for helping to support and bring the Arts to Waupaca.

The three main branches of the Fine Arts Festival include: The Waupaca Community Chorus and Civic Orchestra, the Waupaca Community Theatre & Children’s Theatre, and the Waupaca Art Show. The year 2023 marks the Festival’s 60th anniversary of providing cultural opportunities to the citizens of the greater Waupaca area. The Fine Arts Festival has given to the citizens of Waupaca and its surrounding area an opportunity to develop their talents as singers, musicians, artists and actors. They’ve discovered new heights for their creative abilities. The Festival’s various cultural events have reached an audience of thousands of people and helped them grow in their appreciation of the arts.