This page is updated regularly with tools and resources to ensure that independent artists and freelance creatives have the support they need.
RESOURCES
If you know of resources that need to be added to this page, send them to info [at] imaginemke.org.
OPPORTUNITIES | SHORT-TERM PROJECTS
Black Humanity Now: A Nation Speaks
Date opportunity closes: July 31, 2021
Overview: Jurying will be from digital images only. Submissions must include one (1) high resolution digital images of each complete individual artwork in jpeg format.
Images should be 9” at the widest/tallest dimension (or 2250 pixels) with a resolution of no less than 250 PPi. Optimal image size is 9”x6” (2250 pixels by 1500 pixels) and no larger than 5 MB.
Images should accurately reflect the color and detail of each piece and file names must correspond with the artwork titles listed on the entry form. Images should be of good quality. We reserve the right to reject submissions that are of poor quality.
For more information or to submit, click here.
Silver City InterNational Festival
Date opportunity closes: July 28, 2021
We are looking for artists interested in helping support our Silver City InterNational Festival with a live art performance as this event celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Silver City neighborhood on Saturday, September 11th from 12pm-5pm.
Now in its tenth year, the Silver City InterNational Festival will offer attendees the opportunity to “travel the world” near National Avenue. This year, we will be holding the festival in Arlington Heights Park (just below 35th street between National Ave and Pierce street). Visitors will be able to sample ethnic cuisine from countries spanning the globe while also enjoying live art performances and displays from local businesses and vendors. We are anxiously looking forward to this year’s event, seeing some old friends again and new experiences as well and a big part of that includes enjoying live art performances, free live music, free activities for kids and displays from local businesses.
For more information and to apply, click here
OPPORTUNITIES | FELLOWSHIPS/RESIDENCIES
Oak Spring Garden Foundation
Date opportunity closes: July 15, 2021
In 2022 the Oak Spring Garden Foundation will award their annual Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence to one outstanding, early-career artist who is developing new works that address plants, gardens, or landscapes in the broad sense. This is our most prestigious artist award and is open to visual artists, literary artists, dancers, and musicians. The award includes a $10,000 individual grant and requires a two-to-eight-week stay at Oak Spring. This fellowship will be granted to an exceptional artist who shows remarkable promise to contribute to a deeper understanding of the natural world, and humankind’s place in it.
OPPORTUNITIES | JOBS
Director of Finance for Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
Date opportunity closes: until filled
Reporting to the Managing Director, the Director of Finance will be an involved, pragmatic manager who guides financial policy and direction with the staff, senior leadership, and board. As a central figure in the business infrastructure of the organization, the Director of Finance will be integral in planning the organization’s future strategy, maintaining operational integrity, overseeing fiscal controls, and leading financial administration, business planning, and budgeting. They will mentor, model, and motivate staff in an inclusive and collegial manner while developing realistic goals and accountability measures. The Director of Finance plays a key role in Milwaukee Rep’s success, securing the foundation for the organization to build an expanded artistic vision and continuing to build sustainable growth over time.
For more information or to apply
Curatorial Assistant, Milwaukee Art Museum
Date opportunity closes: Until Filled
Overview: The Curatorial Assistant for the Department of Community Dialogue will play a vital role in centering community engagement in all adult programming at the Milwaukee Art Museum. The Department of Community Dialogue is a new department at the Milwaukee Art Museum that will be responsible for designing, implementing, and assessing adult programming at MAM and building sustainable partnerships and collaborations with BIPOC audiences.
The Curatorial Assistant will support the Department of Community Dialogue in shaping adult programming from initial concept to execution while also providing administrative and curatorial support to the Curator of Community Programs. The Curatorial Assistant is a thoughtful, organized, self-motivated, flexible, and equity-centered administrator and communicator. Their support of the Department will involve working across the institution to build and maintain adult programming while also overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Department of Community Dialogue.
For more information or to apply, click here.
Ex Fabula Storytelling Coach
Date opportunity closes: until filled
We are seeking teaching artists to join our roster of contract storytelling coaches, including lead coaches, assistant coaches, and aides. Story coaching (one-on-one coaching or workshop facilitation) may take place around SE Wisconsin or virtually; during workdays, in evenings, or over the weekend. Contractors may decline any coaching session or workshop offered at any time.
This is a part-time, contract position. Contractors will be compensated on a flat fee basis for each workshop session. Current fees range from $40 to $250+ depending on role (Lead coach, assistant or aide) and the nature of the workshop(s) or other session(s) contracted for. Fees may change at any time, but will be fully disclosed with each offer.
For more information or to apply
PODCAST
Our podcast will be inviting experts to join us to discuss issues that are important to artists' ability to work and thrive, especially during the pandemic. Have a suggestion of a topic that would be useful to you? Reach out at pod [at] imaginemke.org.
Space Rental
The Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway in the Historic Third Ward has rental availability for its two theaters, as well as other performance and meeting spaces. These spaces are available for a permanent or intermittent tenant and are ideally suited for theatre/dance/comedy and all types of performance groups. The facility also offers rehearsal rooms, technical services support, a full-service box office, and production scenic studios to help with scenic, costume, and properties needs.
For rental information, contact events@skylightmusictheatre.org, call (414) 299-4957, or visit https://www.skylightmusictheatre.org/venue/facility-rentals-at-the-broadway-theatre-center
Unemployment Benefits
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is now available to those who have been self employed, including certain independent contractors and those otherwise not eligible to apply for traditional unemployment.
Food
Everyone deserves access to nutritious food. Here’s a list of resources to support your short term needs and long term needs.
- FoodShare – Federal program to help individuals experiencing a food emergency. Foodshare is now available to folks who have been self employed, certain independent contractors, and those otherwise not eligible due to lack of traditional employment. You can check your eligibility here.
- Tandem – Chef Caitlyn Cullen is giving away free meals Monday through Friday from 11a to 4pm (or until supplies run out). Daily menu posted on Tandem’s Facebook page and often includes at least one vegan option.
- Hunger Taskforce has created a comprehensive map to show trusted, open food pantry sites throughout Milwaukee County. You can search via zipcode to see what’s available in your neighborhood.
Health
- Need health insurance? Not sure if Medicare, COBRA, BadgerCare or Healthcare Marketplace is for you? Covering Wisconsin connects you with a healthcare navigator to connect you to healthcare for you and your family.
- Here are recommended community health centers that support most insurance providers AND offer a sliding pay scale. Sliding pay scales allow uninsured and under-insured individuals to receive services at a reduced rate. Services include (but aren’t limited to) dental, mental health support, and primary care support. Outreach Community Health Center, Sixteenth Street Community Health Center, Progressive Community Health Centers
Energy Assistance
- Energy Assistance is available for those who need help covering electricity/ heat bills. It is income based. This link allows you to see if you qualify and make a phone appointment to apply for benefits.
Milwaukee-based Artist Relief Funds
- Milwaukee Ballet
- MIAD
- MARN
- Wisconsin Performing Artist Assistance (WPAA): The goal of the organization is to pair artists in need with sponsors who want to help support them financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Artists create a wishlist of items they need, which is sent to a sponsor who purchases items for them. All information is kept confidential and no financial information changes hands.
Milwaukee-based Business Resources
Resource for small Black Businesses: Grants up to $2000 are available for small black business owners via African American Chamber of Commerce. Applications go live on June 8th. Click here to learn about applicant requirements.
National Resources
Here's a link to a national artist relief fund that's distributing $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19. Please click the link to learn more about how to apply.