Empower Milwaukee’s Youth to Grow
AWE's artists don't just hand out supplies; they hand out confidence and support.
More Than Art: Investing in Milwaukee’s Creative Thinkers
At Artists Working in Education (AWE), we know that high-quality arts learning is about more than making art; it’s about fostering identity, community, and opportunity.
When youth have access to culturally sustaining arts programs, they develop confidence, social-emotional skills, and a strong sense that they matter.
That is why AWE prioritizes process over product, offering culturally-affirming experiences that support both well-being and well-becoming. We remove barriers to participation, center youth voice, and foster connection through collaborative artmaking.
AWE is More Than a Mobile Studio
When AWE artists show up -- the space they occupy becomes a hub of energy, drawing hundreds of children to engage in free, professional-led art projects. But if you look closer, you’ll see that something deeper is happening.AWE mentors hand out more than supplies; they hand out confidence. By removing every barrier to entry, we ensure that every child—regardless of their circumstances—has access to high-quality materials and the guidance of professional artist-mentors. These mentors don't just teach techniques; they validate ideas, encourage experimentation, and empower Milwaukee’s next generation of creative thinkers to see their own potential.