​​November 6th, 2025

Welcome to our series, Spotlighting Wisconsin​! This series spotlights arts organizations across the state (including some of our wonderful grantees), and showcases the amazing work they do in their communities, along with sharing the why, or what drives them as an organization to do the work they do.​

Former Wisconsin Arts Board Grantee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin​

Cultivating Creativity and Community Through Art 

For more than 26 years, Artists Working in Education (AWE) has brought the power of art to Milwaukee’s young people. Founded on the belief that creativity fuels learning, enhances human potential, and cultivates community, AWE provides accessible art enrichment programs that help youth imagine, create, and connect. AWE artists guide children in transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary—encouraging curiosity, flexibility, and confidence through meaningful, hands-on art experiences. By fostering creativity and connection, AWE helps young people develop essential life skills that extend far beyond the arts. Working in partnership with schools, libraries, and community organizations, AWE delivers high-quality arts education to neighborhoods across Milwaukee—particularly those that have historically lacked access to creative opportunities. In a city shaped by economic inequity and racial disparities, AWE’s work is a vital source of inspiration, empowerment, and hope. 

Programs that Inspire 

AWE’s core programs reach young people where they are—at schools, in parks, and within their own neighborhoods: 

Artist-in-Residence (AIR): Connects local artists and community members to design and create public artworks that reflect neighborhood identity and address issues meaningful to residents. 

Truck Studio: A bright, supply filled van that brings artists and free art activities to parks, playgrounds, and community spaces, ensuring that creative experiences are accessible to all children. 

Rising Artists Council (RAC): Provides high school students with mentorship from professional artists, leadership development, and career preparation in the creative fields. 

Meeting a Critical Need 

Wisconsin consistently ranks near the bottom in the nation for public arts funding, and one in four children in Milwaukee live below the federal poverty line. Budget cuts, limited community resources, and transportation barriers mean that many young people lack access to consistent, high-quality arts programming. Artists Working in Education (AWE) helps fill this gap by offering safe, joyful spaces for self-expression and collaboration. Through hands-on creative experiences, young people are encouraged to explore their imaginations while building skills that support mental health, academic success, and long-term resilience. In 2024 alone, AWE served 5,166 youth through 1,133 hours of programming across 73 sites citywide. The organization also employed 42 artists and completed 16 public art installations, bringing beauty and pride to neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee. As local youth continue to navigate the lingering effects of trauma, instability, and isolation, AWE’s programs offer more than art—they offer belonging, confidence, and hope. Wherever they go, AWE artists help young people reimagine what’s possible—one painting, sculpture, and mural at a time.

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U​pcoming Ev​ents

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