Oliver DiPietro, an MA student in Gender & Women’s Studies with a certificate in Leadership and Ashley Shaw Adams, a freelance artist have won first prize for their work on The Big Gay Market. The Big Gay Market hosts accessible and inclusive LGBTQ+ friendly markets in the Madison area that feature LGBTQ+ makers and allies in a safe, accessible, and comfortable space.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arts Business Competition (ABC) is a campus-wide competition created to support new thinking in the form of an art exhibition, event, series, commercial venture or other artistic project. Students submit proposals which are reviewed for creativity, innovation, success potential and added value to the arts. The program provides financial support for student-driven projects and celebrates entrepreneurship in the arts. 
Three groups of finalists pitched their proposals at a public presentation on Wednesday, April 26. The Department of Gender and Women’s Studies is thrilled that Ollie’s and Ashley’s work is being celebrated and recognized by the Division of the Arts.
The Arts Business Competition is presented by the Division of the Arts with support from the Bolz Center for Arts Administration. Funding for the 2023 Arts Business Competition is provided by the Brittingham Wisconsin Trust.