Milwaukee Artist Resource Network (MARN)

06/02/2026

REPOSTING: Sharing this opportunity from GreatLakes.art .art

ANNOUNCING: Attention Grants.

Many artists and cultural organizations don’t just need funding.

They need sustained visibility, documentation, connection, context, and meaningful attention.
So we’re beginning to experiment with something new.

“Attention Grants” are a new initiative from GreatLakes.art designed to support artists, cultural organizations, conservation groups, and creative projects through:
• featured interviews
• homepage placement
• social media amplification
• editorial storytelling
• backlinks & online visibility
• regional discovery tools

The broader goal is to help build stronger online infrastructure for arts, culture, and conservation across the Great Lakes region.

Applications are now open. Link in bio.
Selections will be made on a rolling basis.

A small $5 application fee helps sustain the ecosystem and signals intentional participation. Fee waivers are available if needed.

06/02/2026

Our Pride Month Art Pop-Up is almost here! Visit the gallery in June to see amazing local artists creating work that explores their unique identities and how they bloom into their Pride.
Voting starts on June 2nd! You can only vot IN-PERSON! So, come to the gallery, experience the art, and vote for your favorite works to get a yearlong consignment agreement at Wisconsin's oldest, largest, and most diverse art gallery.

05/16/2026

Today is your last chance to see the 2026 MARN Member Show- Small works, BIG impact! Marshall Building, 207 E Buffalo St, Milwaukee

43 artists. Beautiful show. Strong show. Come and visit today!

05/08/2026

Before Milwaukee had modern lounges, rooftop bars, and nightlife districts, there was Club Milwaukean — one of the most legendary Black-owned entertainment venues in Milwaukee history.
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From what I could verify, the original Club Milwaukean building itself no longer exists in the way it did during Milwaukee’s Bronzeville era. Much of that historic Black entertainment district around Walnut Street and nearby areas was heavily impacted by freeway construction and urban renewal projects during the 1960s.

It was located near Vliet Street during the height of Milwaukee’s Bronzeville era, Club Milwaukean became a major gathering place for music, culture, nightlife, and community. During segregation, many Black performers and travelers were limited in where they could stay, eat, and perform — making places like Club Milwaukean incredibly important to Milwaukee’s Black community.

The club became known for:

live jazz music
dancing
elegant nightlife
famous performers
social gatherings
community events

During the 1940s and 1950s, Milwaukee’s Bronzeville district was packed with Black-owned businesses, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment venues. Club Milwaukean stood out as one of the city’s premier nightlife spots and attracted both local talent and nationally known musicians traveling through Milwaukee.

Many longtime Milwaukee residents still remember the energy, fashion, music, and sense of pride connected to the club and the surrounding Bronzeville area.

Sadly, much of Milwaukee’s original Bronzeville neighborhood — including many historic Black businesses and entertainment venues — disappeared during freeway construction and urban renewal projects in the 1960s. Entire blocks of Black history were lost or displaced.

Today, stories about places like Club Milwaukean help preserve Milwaukee’s rich cultural history and remind newer generations about the businesses and community spaces that helped shape the city.

For many people, Club Milwaukean wasn’t just a nightclub — it was part of Milwaukee history.

05/04/2026

The Museum of Wisconsin Art has just named Rufus King graduate Paul Noth its first Cartoonist Laureate of Wisconsin! He will "serve as an ambassador for the comics medium in the state for three years, serving in an advisory role on educational programs at the museum". Congratulations, Paul Noth!

https://www.comicsbeat.com/paul-noth-cartoon-laureate/

12/18/2025

“Being part of the Mentorship program was truly life changing for me… It really opened up the art community for me.”

MARNMentors connects emerging artists with established mentors for a year-long program focused on artistic growth, professional skills, and meaningful connections. For many artists, it’s the difference between feeling isolated and feeling supported.

Your year-end gift helps ensure this life-changing program continues for future mentees in the Milwaukee area. Give today at marnarts.org

Since our founding in 2002, MARN has remained focused on supporting our diverse creative communities. We’re dedicated to providing artists from all social and economic backgrounds with the resources needed to cultivate a local, sustainable, art practice with the capacity to engage national and int...