July 15th, 2026
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.
Developing Artists, Murals, & Alliances (DAMA)
Madison
Based in Dane County, DAMA works alongside residents, artists, businesses, schools, and community organizations to create large-scale public art projects that reflect the history, culture, and aspirations of the communities they serve.
DAMA's mission is to foster youth development through collective art experiences and train local and self-made artists to stabilize and sustain community transformation processes. This mission is carried out through public art projects, educational programming, artist mentorship, and youth apprenticeships that engage emerging artists in meaningful, paid, hands-on learning experiences. Young people are not simply participants in DAMA's projects—they are collaborators who learn artistic techniques, project planning, teamwork, communication skills, and the value of creative work as an economic asset. Through these experiences, youth gain exposure to career pathways in the arts and creative industries while contributing to projects that leave a permanent and visible legacy in their communities.
DAMA's impact extends beyond the arts. The organization has become a recognized community partner in neighborhood revitalization, violence prevention, and cultural engagement efforts. DAMA was selected as one of a limited number of recipients of Wisconsin's Violence Prevention grant funding, reflecting the organization's role in creating positive opportunities for youth and strengthening community connections through creative expression. By transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant community landmarks, DAMA contributes to local economic development, encourages community investment, supports artists, and demonstrates how the arts can serve as a catalyst for long-term social and economic growth.
Today, DAMA continues to build a future where public art is accessible, community-driven, and transformative. Its murals stand as lasting symbols of community pride while its youth programs cultivate the next generation of artists, leaders, and creative entrepreneurs who understand both the cultural and economic value of their work.
The photo above shows the most recent mural completed at Madison's East High School. Students and staff wanted a way of welcoming everyone who entered, leading to the creation of this mural. It was featured in a WKOW story: Madison East high School unveils lobby mural celebrating students and community.
Since May, youth have applied and interviewed for 15 coveted spots in this summer's youth apprentice program that will begin in June and will conclude with an end of program celebration and art exhibition with the youth, their families, and the community. This celebration is scheduled to take place in the evening on August 13, 2026. For more details, please visit DAMA's website.
The 18 selected youth apprentices are busy discussing, debating and developing art proposals, painting, and actively working to build art into their economic future. Developer Veronica Figueroa Valez said “We want youth ages 14-17 to see first-hand that there can be economic return in the artistic fields”. Meanwhile, amid this busy tussle, Board members, elected officials, and other community leaders speak to the youth as well to further the direct mentorship of each youth.
DAMA’s work is often called transformational by youth participants, who are increasingly eager to utilize social media and involve AI into their learning, helping youth stay on the cutting edge of where artistic industries are going to go. An added bonus is that their permanent artwork is forever in the community.
DAMA’s work has gained recognition for its secondary impact on violence prevention, especially for at-risk youth. In fact, DAMA won a very competitive Governor’s Violence Prevention award in 2026 that helps demonstrate its impact from multiple angles. DAMA is headquartered in Dane County and looking to partner across Wisconsin.
