ArtWorks for Milwaukee

ArtWorks for Milwaukee offers intensive, ten-month, paid internships where teens work on public facing arts projects and community-focused art projects. Cohorts of about ten youth are hired to complete these projects while taking part in art internships that include an intern-designed coloring book.

• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM (hours may vary); ten-month, paid internships for teens

Since 2001, over 1,500 high school students have participated in ArtWorks’ programs. The mission of ArtWorks for Milwaukee is “Preparing youth for tomorrow by providing transferable career skills through art internships today.” The leadership team includes Rhiannon, executive director. ArtWorks trains youth in hard and soft career skills, while developing their confidence and self efficacy, through public facing arts projects, and combines arts engagement with workforce development through intensive, ten-month, paid internships for teens. The programs focus on Milwaukee youth being socially and emotionally healthy, acquiring 21st Century Skills to become successful adults, and having a positive impact on their community, and they focus on outcomes that reflect the common youth outcomes identified by long-time funding and program partner MPS Partnership for the Arts & Humanities. One 2024 intern shared, “I think I’ve improved a lot of interpersonal skills. I’m generally very quiet and don’t talk to people unless I have to. Being in this workplace has helped me make friends and learn how to get along with the people I work with.” Another intern from 2018, Charles, said, “I had the confidence to apply to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, which I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise.”

Last updated July 26, 2026.