Joy Engine Offering $50,000 in Grants for Public Art Projects

2024 ArtBlaze beach art festival at South Shore Beach. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.

Milwaukee artists and community groups have an opportunity to turn their most imaginative ideas into reality with financial support from Joy Engine.

The nonprofit arts organization is accepting applications for its 2027 JOY Grants, offering up to $50,000 in total funding for creative projects that bring people together in Milwaukee neighborhoods.

Individual grants of up to $10,000 are available for public art installations, performances, community programs and other projects designed to inspire joy and encourage participation.

“We want to hear the idea you’ve been holding back on because you weren’t sure anyone would fund it,” said Joy Engine Executive Director Steph Salvia in a statement. “Something surprising, ambitious or maybe even a little ridiculous. What could you create that would make people join in or see their neighborhood differently? We want to imagine it with you.”

Applications are due Nov. 2, with recipients expected to be notified in December. Projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2027.

The grants are open to individual artists, students, schools, neighborhood associations, community organizations and eligible nonprofits. Projects must take place within the city of Milwaukee, in a neighborhood where the applicant lives or works, and must be free and accessible to the public.

Since launching the grant program, Joy Engine has awarded more than $220,000 to support 29 projects.

One of those grants helped Milwaukee artist Natalie Derr produce her first documentary, “Forged by Steele,” which tells the story of Issac Steele, a third-generation Black cowboy who operates a Milwaukee welding shop and mentors area youth.

Derr, who received a grant in 2025, had never made a documentary before pursuing the project.

The film premiered March 29 at the Oriental Theatre and subsequently received four nominations at the Wild Bunch Film Festival in Tucson, Arizona, including best documentary western film and two directing and filmmaking nominations for Derr. It was also selected for the Milwaukee Independent Film Awards film festival.

“The Joy Grant gave me permission to turn a thought into a project and then into a space where Milwaukee gets to know Milwaukee,” said Derr. “What I love about the Joy Grant is it validates that joy is a real factor that improves the energy and resilience in our city. How cool is that?!”

Formerly known as Black Box Fund, Joy Engine has become known for bringing unconventional public art installations and interactive experiences to Milwaukee. The organization was founded by Deb Kern.

Its projects have included the internationally touring “Museum of the Moon” installation in Catalano Square, oversized bird sculptures at Lakeshore State Park, and the Nitelight projection festival on Historic Mitchell Street.

The organization also stages the annual ArtBlaze series, which turns Milwaukee’s lakefront beaches into temporary art playgrounds with large-scale installations, live music, performances and interactive activities. The series returned for its third season in 2026, with events at McKinley and South Shore beaches.

The grant program represents another approach to the organization’s mission, providing direct financial support to local artists and community members to produce their own projects.

Joy Engine is particularly interested in experimental and unexpected concepts that encourage residents to engage with their surroundings or one another. Proposals could involve temporary installations, performances, new community activities or creative enhancements to public spaces.

Applications will be evaluated based on their potential to inspire joy, creativity and community engagement, as well as the applicant’s ability to complete the work.

Standalone murals are not eligible, although murals may be part of a larger community-centered project. Routine maintenance, repairs and recurring events are also ineligible for funding. Applicants must document both the creative process and the finished project.

Applicants younger than 18 must work with a lead organizer or their school.

Applications and complete guidelines are available at joyengine.org/communitychallenge. Questions can be directed to communitychallenge@joyengine.org.