November 2025
- Imagine MKE
- 14 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Celebrating Six Years of Imagine MKE
This month marks six years since Imagine MKE first took shape. Born from the imagination and determination of more than 100 artists, civic leaders, business partners, and community champions, our founders envisioned something bold for Milwaukee. A city where arts, culture, and creativity are not afterthoughts, but driving forces shaping who we are and where we’re headed.
They saw what was missing — a dedicated home for the creative sector, a connector and advocate ensuring that creativity remains central to Milwaukee’s identity, economy, and future. From that vision, Imagine MKE was launched.
Since then, that founding belief still guides everything we do. Creativity isn’t a luxury. It’s the heartbeat of a thriving city. It fuels growth, sparks belonging, and strengthens the social and economic fabric of our community. Today, that vision feels more alive, more necessary, and more possible than ever.
Advancing A Shared Vision for Arts & Culture
We are deeply grateful to the more than 60 funders, business leaders, civic partners, nonprofit board members, and arts and culture leaders who have seized this important moment and participated in a series of convening sessions we held the past four months. Together, they created a shared vision and plan to strengthen the sustainability and long-term vitality of Milwaukee’s arts and culture sector.
During our next phase we will work with community partners to develop the strategic framework needed to ensure clear and actionable steps forward. We look forward to sharing more about our collaborative path to build a stronger, more resilient, creative future for Milwaukee. More updates to come on this work early in the new year.
Creative Futures: Building Collaboration
At Imagine MKE, our mission is to strengthen the entire creative sector, from artists to organizations, venues, and cultural leaders. That’s why we partnered with Culture X Design on their Creative Futures series, which has sparked meaningful dialogue and connection across Milwaukee’s creative community this past month.
The final session, this Wednesday evening November 12, explores collaboration as the cornerstone of growth in the creative economy. Participants will dive into how artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural organizers can identify partners, build networks, and leverage relationships to amplify their impact and ensure that Milwaukee’s creative sector continues to thrive.
Join us for this free forum and help shape the city’s creative future. Click here to RSVP
Making News
Exposing the region’s arts and culture sector to wider audiences is the goal of our partnership with TMJ4 News. Thanks to our TMJ4 Contact Form available at our website, organizations, venues, and artists have a direct line to producers to share stories about their missions, upcoming events, and creatives.
Recently, the Milwaukee Tonight crew visited Wild Space Dance Company’s free, immersive dance performance at Havenwoods State Forest. The site-specific dances featured Ometochtli Mexican Folk Dance and guest choreographers, while celebrating our urban wilderness.
Milwaukee Tonight also stopped by the “Nature’s Voice” exhibition on view at the Lily Pad Gallery West through January 2. The exhibit brings together three distinctive artistic voices, each exploring the natural world through their unique lens and personal journey.
And, last week, Milwaukee Tonight featured The Constructivists, a Milwaukee theater company celebrating its eighth season and preparing to open its A Very Deadly Constructivists Holiday performances next month. This will be third annual iteration of their dark comedy holiday program.
'Tis The Season
That’s just one of the many incredible holiday offerings you can experience in Milwaukee. Choose from beloved traditions like Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Milwaukee Rep’s A Christmas Carol, to stand out productions like Studio K Flamenco’s Flamenco Nutcracker, Black Arts MKE’s Black Nativity and Vanguard Milwaukee’s All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.
Across our city, artists, and organizations are lighting up stages, galleries, and gathering spaces with new works, timeless classics, and celebrations of culture, community, and imagination. It’s also the perfect time to support local makers.
Milwaukee Magazine has assembled a list of holiday markets, such as the Hover Craft Handmade Holiday Market, where you can discover extraordinary makers and one-one-of-a-kind gifts. Plan early, invite your friends, and celebrate the makers who bring magic and meaning to our city.
Lastly, I hope to see you at the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza on November 20 at Pere Marquette Park! The Imagine MKE team will be hosting a festive station. Stop by, say hello and join us in celebrating the season.
Christine Hojnacki
Executive Director, Imagine MKE
