Our mission
Preparing youth for tomorrow by providing transferable career skills through art internships today.
Our Vision
Our vision is for all youth to have access to career readiness opportunities.
ArtWorks for Milwaukee combines arts engagement with workforce development through intensive, ten-month, paid internships for teens. We hire cohorts of about ten youth to complete community-focused art projects while learning transferable career skills.
Our Values
Do Not Underestimate Youth
We believe in working holistically and respecting the gifts that youth bring. We do not see young people as deficient, but rather as equipped to prepare for the challenge of joining the workforce.
Everyone is Capable
We believe that self-determination is a key element to life satisfaction, and that anyone in any line of work can and should make a positive contribution to their community.
Elevating Youth Voice
We believe that the development of young people’s confidence is a worthwhile endeavor, because all other talent development flows from that.
Art is Essential
We believe everyone is creative, and capable of creating art, and that art is not only a vehicle for social change but a remedy for the human condition.
“I had the confidence to apply to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, which I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise.”
How we Support our Mission
ArtWorks’ programs focus on outcomes, which reflect the common youth outcomes identified by our long-time funding and program partner MPS Partnership for the Arts & Humanities: Milwaukee youth are socially and emotionally healthy, Milwaukee youth acquire 21st Century Skills to become successful adults, and Milwaukee youth have a positive impact on their community. Our programs encourage development and practice in professionalism, collaboration, leadership, accountability, and other soft skills. We continually refine our programs and offer internships in various arts media to appeal to the wide interests of youth and the changing landscape of the 21st century workforce.
