The Joy Engine Community Challenge will distribute $50,000 in grants to 7 Milwaukee art projects

(Milwaukee, WI)— After over 50 applications were submitted, nonprofit arts organization Joy Engine is awarding $50,000 in total funds to seven community art projects to spread joy throughout the Milwaukee community in 2025. Winning projects were chosen to improve public spaces and civic engagement, support diversity, equity and inclusion; and demonstrate how innovative ideas can support neighborhood life. More info on the artists and process can be found here.

Given the stark arts funding landscape in Milwaukee, Joy Engine takes several measures to ensure its limited budget reaches a variety of local artists. Unlike other Milwaukee-area arts grants, individual artists as well as nonprofits are eligible to apply. Awardees represent several zip codes, and care is taken in choosing projects of mediums different from years past— in 2025 more film projects were awarded for the first time. This year’s jurors included Derrick Cainion from Art Intersection, Lajwanti Waghray from Red Crane Films, Nora Godoy-Gonzalez from the Harbor District, artist John Kowalczyk, and Margaret Czaplewski from the Joy Engine Board.

“The lasting influence these JOY projects have in our city is truly astounding,” said Steph Salvia, Joy Engine’s Executive Director. “When we raise additional funding, we’ll grow even more opportunities for local artists. Increasing arts funding at the State level will only result in more visionary projects that bring communities together.”

The 2025 Joy Grant Recipients:

Quasimondo Physical Theatre
Zip code 53226, $10,000

To help put on the first ArtPark Eco-Jam on July 25th, 11-8pm. This festival will feature artists, puppetry, performances, music, vendors, and a mural unveiling.

Your Move MKE inc.
Zip code 53204, $10,000

Funds for building a permanent stage and seating for the Healing in the Alley event series to be held in July, August & September that will feature music by Black and Brown youth in the Music Heals Alleyway.

Riverworks Development Corporation & Heard Space MKE
Zip code 53212, $10,000

Funds for production of a “Mockumentary” short film about Harambee, plus a free public screening of the project in late summer.

Milwaz Talleres
Zip code 53204, $10,000

Funds for hosting a 3-day workshop and subsequent Afro-Indigenous traditional Fandango event showcasing music, food, percussive dance on a wooden platform, and crochet.

Nateya Taylor
Zip code 53208, $5000

Funds to support a short documentary film about how residents of Metcalfe Park neighborhood are creating more greenery, mutual aid and a pool to combat food insecurity and extreme heat in a redlined neighborhood that the government continues to ignore.

Natalie Derr
Zip code 53208, $3,000

Funds to support the generation of a documentary film about Isaac Steele, a 3rd generation Black cowboy who runs a Western-themed welding shop in Milwaukee.

The Native Wellness Garden at Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center
Zip code 53221, $2,000

Funds for community garden programs that share Indigenous knowledge and traditions with the Milwaukee public.

About Joy Engine
Joy Engine is a nonprofit public art organization curating intentional, immersive art experiences to connect, uplift, and inspire the Milwaukee community. Reimagining urban spaces through wondrous, larger-than-life installations expands perceptions. When citizens engage with art, community viability advances. Because inclusion through creative expression is the goal, all Joy Engine events are free, family-friendly, and accessible.

For more information on Joy Engine please visit: joyengine.org

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.