Article by Kathy Gaillard
Artworks for Milwaukee is a unique program, founded 22 years ago, that provides youth paid internships and job experiences through the arts. From interviewing, to onboarding, to problem solving and creativity, every aspect of Artworks for Milwaukee is designed to groom youth’s soft skills and development.
Artworks for Milwaukee is the brainchild of Laura Owens, Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Terry Murphy has served as Artworks for Milwaukee Executive Director for the past 11 years and she could not be more passionate about the organization’s mission of “preparing youth for tomorrow by providing transferable career skills through art internships today.”
“I previously worked in nonprofit and corporate management, and communication positions. When I moved to Milwaukee, I wanted to be connected to the arts and engage with youth. This position is a match made in heaven,” said Murphy.
Artworks for Milwaukee provides year-long, paid internships for high school students to promote growth and practice in art and job skills. The program also offers lead artist assistant opportunities to students who complete their internships. All Milwaukee area high school students are eligible to apply to ArtWorks for Milwaukee’s internships regardless of art ability.
“It is essentially a workforce development program in the arts. Artworks for Milwaukee provides students a chance to express themselves creatively. What’s more, students do not have to be artists to participate,” said Murphy.
Since the pandemic, many people are experiencing trauma and isolation in different ways. Murphy believes that Artworks for Milwaukee gives youth opportunities to express their anxiety in a safe environment post-pandemic.
“We started our mental advocacy graphic design program specifically to address this issue. Working with the Wisconsin State Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH), each student contributed a design for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day in May 2022. The OCMH has invited us to work with them again in September on a suicide prevention campaign,” said Murphy.
Student input in projects like these is important. For example, one of their latest projects was creating a stress-relieving coloring book. Each student contributed a design. The coloring books can be purchased on Artworks for Milwaukee’ website. During last year’s Black Arts Fest-MKE and Bronzeville Art Walk, they also distributed free drawing sheets and crayons.
“We work with Manpower Group to help interns develop professional skills such as writing resumes, interviewing skills, and other soft skills,” said Murphy.
Artworks for Milwaukee is a city-wide program, available to all students. The program currently hires 20-30 high school students each year and they are paid $9 an hour, with a potential for a wage increase after six months based on their performance evaluation.
“Students are treated as employees. They must interview for the position, communicate with the public, engage in problem-solving, and learn to work in small groups. They also receive performance evaluations. We want students who have passion and commitment to this yearlong internship, regardless of their art abilities. We are happy to offer this safe space for youth to discover their gifts and help them through high school. It is rewarding when students return to visit us and share how much this program has helped them pursue their life goals,” said Murphy.
ArtWorks for Milwaukee will be hiring 10 interns for a year-long environmental arts internship that will start in October 2023. Online applications will be available on their website in August 2023. All high school students are welcome to apply.
We salute this Diamond for grooming and growing our future, while fostering mental advocacy.
For more information, visit Artworks for Milwaukee’s website at for more information www.artworksformilwaukee.orgor call (414) 708-9996.
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