Milwaukee in Motion [Dance Fest 2025]

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Golden Hour Arrival

I arrived downtown just after 4:00 p.m the late afternoon sun filtering between buildings, music drifting across the lawn, and a real energy in the mix. Families, friend groups, and solo festival-goers converged; kids running and flipping around on the lawn while young dancers in dressed up or most of the pre show performers in all black warmed up in areas not so noticeable practicing on repeat for pre-show jitters. Across the street, a sobriety event unfolded quietly, while here, movement and community reigned.

Pre-Show Magic (6:00 p.m.)

The evening began with LunaBellas, whose graceful, Asian-inspired youth performance set a gentle, elegant tone. The energy built from there, ending with the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company their rhythmic, high-speed footwork instantly brought to mind The Sinners movie. The beat, flow, and precision pulled you in, and I couldn’t help but be in awe of all the dancers’ memorization, strength, and the exactness of every step.

Sweet & Salty Interlude

Before the pre-show, and again during intermission, I grabbed eats. First, brunch style festival comfort: a brat on the grill,  cheese curds, and mozzarella sticks. Then, candy bars and a brookie ( brownie/cookie)  perfectly timed between performances.

Mainstage Highlights (7:30 p.m)

Ailey II kicked things off with dynamic precision, followed by Water Street Dance Milwaukee, Madison Ballet, House of JIT, Visceral Dance, and M.A.D.D. Rhythms (whose tap performance was especially mesmerizing), and Chicago Dance Crash. Again, I found myself in awe not just of the choreography but of how perfectly it was memorized and executed, the sheer physical strength behind each movement, and the razor-sharp timing that made the performances so magnetic.

A Milwaukee Moment with John Ridley

Here’s a sweet festival memory: Before the pre-show, my father introduced me to John Ridley, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind 12 Years a Slave. After the pre-show, I approached him again. I shared my role with CopyWrite Magazine and asked if he could offer feedback on my blog writing. That brief exchange between art forms, styles, and generations felt meaningful, as well as a memory worth remembering [for future reference]. 

Twilight Farewell (8:00 p.m)

I stayed until about 8:45 p.m., caught the opening wave of the ticketed performances. Something about the stage being outside just felt so theatrical and surreal. The architecture downtown also made these performances, and overall, the festival was a wonderful experience. 10/10 recommend, GO NEXT YEAR [2026]. 

This festival wasn’t just a series of dances; it was Milwaukee, alive and moving together in rhythm, strength, and precision.

xoxo Jazale Hill for /CW

Community Arts & Funk Festival Announces 15th Anniversary Celebration: A Vibrant, Family-Friendly Showcase of Art, Music, and Unity in Downtown Milwaukee

/ Peck Pavilion/

*INFO PROVIDED BY Community Arts & Funk Festival

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Get ready for a spectacular summer celebration! The Community Arts & Funk Festival is thrilled to announce its 15-Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 16, 2025, taking place at the iconic Peck Pavilion and South Grounds at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, located at 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI. This milestone event, celebrating visual and performing arts, along with the distinct funk genre of music, promises a dynamic and family-friendly cultural experience for all ages in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The festival will highlight local artists with vendor showcases for guests to support and purchase local artwork, as well as a fine arts competition for local artists to win a $1000 prize!

Set against the backdrop of downtown Milwaukee, the Community Arts & Funk Festival provides a unique opportunity to promote intergenerational dialogue between emerging, established, and underground performing artists who share common performance and musical roots. The festival's musical focus on the funk genre, made popular by legends like James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and Parliament-Funkadelic, aims to educate the broader listening public about its rich history, inspirations, and evolution from R&B, Jazz, Gospel, and Rock, and its profound influence on the Hip Hop generation. This powerful combination of funk music with local, regional, and national visual artists creates a cross-cultural, demographically diverse, family-oriented community event rooted in authenticity and intentionality.

"We are incredibly excited to mark 15 years of the Community Arts & Funk Festival," says Brad Bernard, event organizer. "This anniversary is a testament to the power of art and music to bring people together, foster creativity, and celebrate our shared community. We've poured our hearts into curating an unforgettable day that highlights exceptional talent and promotes positive connections."

Festival Highlights

Star-Studded Musical Lineup & Performances

Prepare for an electrifying day of music and performances. The event will be hosted by esteemed radio and TV personality, Andrea Williams.

The official performance schedule includes:

  • 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM: Youth Dance Performances

  • 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Youth Poetry Slam

  • 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Live Music Performances by:

    • Act 1: B.Wyzdom (2:30 PM - 3:15 PM)

    • Act 2: Trace Ellington Experience (3:30 PM - 4:15 PM)

    • Act 3 (Headliner): Switch (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM)

The headlining act, Switch, is a legendary American R&B and Funk band, celebrated for iconic hits such as "There'll Never Be" and "I Call Your Name." Intermissions of 15 minutes will occur between acts, during which a DJ will keep the funk music playing.

Prestigious Fine Arts Competition

Visual artists are invited to participate in a judged fine arts competition, vying for a $1,000 'Best of Show' award, along with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. The announcement of artist awards will take place from 12:35 PM - 12:50 PM. This competition will showcase a broad spectrum of talented urban and suburban visual artists, encompassing both academically trained and self-taught individuals, presenting a wide variety of subject matter, concepts, and technical approaches from across the local and regional art scene.

Local artists are strongly encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity to showcase their work and compete for cash awards and prizes. Find more information and the application form here: https://www.artsandfunk.com/call-for-artists-1000-prize

Engaging On-Ground Activations

In addition to the main stage performances and art competition, attendees can enjoy:

  • Free 3D Photobooth by The Booth Mke

  • T-shirt Design station provided by Fruition MKE

  • Community Mural led by artist Ken Brown

  • Kid-Friendly Art Activities by Artists Working in Education

  • Local Food & Drink Vendors (Saz’s & more)

  • Local Artists & Creator Vendors

  • Publishing/Copyright and Royalties Workshop provided by MuSample Music Business Consultant 

Local Flavors and Unique Finds

Attendees can explore a diverse array of offerings from local vendors and food trucks, providing a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase throughout the day.

Local art and food vendors are encouraged to apply to be a part of this vibrant community event: https://www.artsandfunk.com/vendor-booth-payment-form

Media Sponsors

The Community Arts & Funk Festival is proud to partner with our media sponsors:

  • RadioMilwaukee 88.9 FM

  • WMSE 91.7 FM

  • V100 100.7 FM

About Community Arts & Funk Festival

The Community Arts & Funk Festival (CAFF) is dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of visual art, R&B, and funk, highlighting the profound power of live music and artistic expression. Each year, the festival strives to create a memorable experience that showcases talent, fosters community engagement, and promotes cultural awareness. The festival is a testament to the idea that when the power of funk music is combined with the works of local, regional, and national visual artists, it provides the perfect combination for curating a cross-cultural, demographically diverse, family-oriented community event rooted in authenticity and intentionality.

For more information and future updates, please visit: https://www.artsandfunk.com/

THE NEXT BAR IS ADDING TO MILWAUKEE’S NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE

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Get ready for a refresh in your Milwaukee nightlife rotation. The Next Bar is coming to the scene with classic beer taps, cocktail favorites, a diverse selection of spirits, authentic vibes, and a hospitality/entertainment experience the city didn’t know it was missing. 

Located at 1732 E. North Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211, The Next Bar has taken hold of prime real estate in the hopes of cultivating the next positive entrepreneurial venture that is rooted in legacy, built on purpose, fostered in community, and championing a good time, all in one space. Founded by a dynamic uncle-nephew duo, James Chappel & Alex Edwards, The Next Bar isn’t just opening its doors — it’s making a statement.


“We are bringing a new, fresh identity to the space, with creative ideas that expand the past potential of this location”, said Edwards as he discussed his aspiration for opening The Next Bar.

Edwards notes that, beyond being a great spot to socialize, it is also meant to serve as inspiration for his family investment club, piloted this year. When the location came on the market, the pieces just seemed to be the perfect fit, with Edwards' background in real estate and Chapple’s interest in owning a bar, the site allowed for intentional customization of the turnkey space to serve a community that wants a down to earth environment that still holds Instagram worthy style. 

Thus, The Next Bar is reclaiming space. The building has seen wine bars, college bars, and everything in between — but this time it’s Black-owned, community-driven, and here for the long haul. No more “just opening a bar” — they’re opening the door to fellowship, ownership, and opportunity [with extensive research on the location & target customer base]. Even though Edwards has no previous bar ownership experience, he is confident that his previous work revolving around community, mentorship, crisis stabilization, management, and his time as a career entrepreneur will lend itself well to overseeing the bar environment. 

“I started my first venture at nine years old. . . I had a candy store, selling out of the window of my grandma’s house. Of course, it was all in my grandmother’s name [sales permits, etc], but it was all my idea. At eighteen, I purchased my first property and have been real estate investing ever since”.  - Edwards shared.

Other pieces of Edward’s entrepreneurial portfolio include Car sales, a vending machine business, and a consulting company. This, in combination with Chappel's history as a silent investor in other local nightlife establishments, heightens the partnership's nuance for success.

The bar will be open to patrons 25+, with both bar & plush leather booth seating [designed with comfort in mind], an entertainment nook available for DJ’d events and live music [think saxophone, piano, or guitar vibes], chilled glasses, and an exterior water bowl for our four-legged friends passing by. Edwards is hoping the bar will be a spot for a thriving mix of urban business owners, ambitious professionals, community neighbors, and, of course, an intergenerational hangout spot for nights out with the fam.

The grand opening celebration will take place, Saturday, June 14th, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM, with a ribbon cutting at 5:55 PM [symbolic of positive change in transformation]. The owners hope that the community will join them for a first-hand experience of what The Next Bar has in store. 

“We’re building something that reflects who we are and who we serve,” says Alex. “Just give us one drink, one chance to stop in. We promise you’ll come back.”

For press inquiries and interviews, please contact Alex Edwards at therealnextbar@gmail.com. 

To stay up to date with The Next Bar, special events, and more, follow on Instagram @thenextbar_.

This Press Release was produced by /CW Creative Services

Creative’s Making Impact By Lifting Other Creatives w/ The Creative Collab | Bronzeville Artist-in-Residency Mentor Program

/ /CW CREATIVE STUIDIO + SHOP/

Creative’s Making Impact By Lifting Other Creatives w/ The Creative Collab | Bronzeville Artist-in-Residency Mentor Program

[A mentoring-focused Artist-in-Residency program that connects youth with a professional creative]

Creativity is best cultivated through collaboration. However, opportunities for creative collaboration can be sparse depending on age, locality, and personal network. Statistically, we know that “28% of surveyed Milwaukee-based creatives are strongly considering relocating to another city due to a lack of creative opportunities, jobs, and support here” [Imagine MKE, 2023]. Retention of talent [cultivated locally] will always be a problem unless we address it intentionally, constantly, & economically supported.

Under the leadership of Jazale’s Art Studio, Vedales Art Studio [Vedale Hill], and /CW Creative Studios + Shop [Owned by CopyWrite, Magazine, Media & Design, Lexi S. Brunson] we have cultivated the collaborative means to propel many creative career paths while navigating Milwaukee’s economic & opportunity disparities in the creative sector. From fine arts to media, fashion to performance, and all the intersectional practices of creative entrepreneurship in between, we have found a methodology that can help creatives excel in their personal and professional goals.

Today, we launch THE CREATIVE COLLAB | BRONZEVILLE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCY MENTOR PROGRAM is a mentoring-focused Artist-in-Residency program that connects youth with a professional creative. Each youth participant will have access to mentors across the creative spectrum in their area of interest. Participants will be immersed in a diverse creative environment, where they will witness everyday practices of creative professionalism, methods of creative production, problem-solving, the proper methods of documentation, and how best to utilize their specific skill sets. This program will provide mentors & mentees stipends to emphasize the value of creative practice while navigating the economic necessities of a quality & sustainable practice.

MAGE BY COPYWRITE MAGAZINE VIA /CW SUMMER HIGH SCOOL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE | VISITING MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM -DERICK ADAMS, OUR TIME TOGETHER EXIBIT

“We have to understand that creative success directly correlates with access to resources & a creative network. A big piece of that narrative is funding.  An artist should no longer be asked to starve. I know I don’t starve well! If we can help young creatives understand their value to society, while giving them the professional tools to navigate this industry, then as a community we all will reap the reward”, said Vedale Hill. 

“Collectively, we have sat in rooms that have had the social capital and funding force that could fortify the creative industry in Milwaukee. However, time & time again, some people refuse to educate themselves on how creative talent enhances a communities cultural identity, promotes economic growth, and improves overall quality of life. If we take creatives out of the equation, there is no success in any industry. We want the next generation to have better opportunities than we have. So here we are attempting to do the right thing for all the right reasons. We hope that our community can support that in an active way”. - noted Lexi S. Brunson.

IMAGE BY COPYWRITE MAGAZINE VIA /CW SUMMER HIGH SCOOL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE | BEQUEST YOUTH LED FASHION EXPERIENCE AT /CW CREATIVE STUDIOS

As of today, May 16th, 2025, THE CREATIVE COLLAB | BRONZEVILLE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCY MENTOR PROGRAM applications are now live. Qualified applicants include Creatives 13-25, who are Milwaukee County residents, are enrolled in middle school, high school, or a post-secondary educational institution, with proof of exemplary creative skill sets. Financial needs are highly considered. Spring/Summer 2025 Cohort pre-screened participants will be notified of their acceptance via email by May 20th, 2025. Other applicants will be notified if they are accepted to a cohort on a rolling basis.

Special thanks to The Brewers Community Foundation for helping us pilot the program with their sponsorship contribution. We are still looking for additional funding sponsors for 2025 cohorts to further THE CREATIVE COLLAB's capacity, mentoring opportunities, and communal impact. [All sponsorships are tax deductible through Jazale's Art Studio's 501C Status]. If you are interested, please contact us at jazalesartstudio.org@gmail.com | copywrite.mke@gmail.com, Attn: The Creative Collab 

Want to be a part of our communal impact? Please consider donating at:

For Press inquiries, interviews, and other media-related requests, please contact Lexi S. Brunson, Editor-in-Chief of CopyWrite Magazine, at: Copywrite.mke@gmail.com 

/CW

A Stage for Life: A Unique Collaboration Between Versiti Blood Center and Milwaukee Ballet: Where Art Represents The Community’s Heart

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It’s often assumed that basketball games, open houses, and theatrical school productions are the nights that fill schools from top to bottom; however, donation events are the true cool kidz. According to the Pew Research Center, over 500,000 children participate and lead these informative, interactive and unifying events. The block parties, bake sales, and scholastic book fairs financially uplift the half-empty pockets of education systems, but a greater reward is gifted to all of the Whoopi Goldberg classrooms around the universe in the franchise movie, Sister Act [The kiddos}. Heart, soul, and kindness that lasts more than a week before their birthdays. As youngins, a broken record becomes the headshot of our audio library, spewing out the following constantly: 

Sharing is caring 

Treat others how you want to be treated 

If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all 

Authoritative figures surrounding kids, such as encouraging teachers, relatable coaches, and proud parents, become the ocean they absorb like sponges ready to tackle the next clean-up. Although the phrases are constantly demonstrated to us and sung into each ear, only 50% of children choose to be kind-hearted and incorporate leadership and inspiration in their adolescence and adulthood. Hence why donation events produce an immense impact because kids gravitate towards the interpersonal playground and tangible incentives that make them feel as confident as student of the month, Milwaukee Ballet student, Sydney, also known as the daughter of Gretchen Jameson, Wisconsin Chief Marketing Officer at Versiti Blood Center, is one of those children intrigued and motivated by donation events as well as becoming a vessel of help. A powerful representation of this naturally occurred right here in the city streets of Milwaukee. She planted the seed for innovative and impactful change with just a single question. 

After witnessing countless collegiate and athletic competitions to strengthen blood donation awareness and the number of donors attached to it deemed as successful, Sydney’s eyebrows raised instantly and asked WI Chief Marketing Officer Gretchen Jameson, who she calls mom:

“Why have we never held one as Ballet being the driving force?”

If the saying “Like mother, like daughter” were a face, it’d be these two. Little did Sydney know that her mom and the rest of Versiti’s team birthed a new campaign titled A Stage for Life, which is a physical manifestation of local artistic organizations and innovative extraordinare, Versiti joining forces to increase and maintain a more diverse, promising and larger support system from the community when it comes to blood donation. 

On Friday, March 21st, 2025, Sydney’s seed had grown into the first A Stage for Life event presented by partners Versiti Blood Center and Milwaukee Ballet named as The Inaugral Sleeping Beauty Blood Drive taking place at the Baumgartner Center for Dance from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The themed blood drive caught many by surpise and intriguingly had their eyes. Blood drives and related events get mistaken for dull, quiet, and dreadful events only held in hospitals or schools that will have the same outcome whether one person decides to attend or not. The inaugural Sleeping Beauty Blood Drive showcased a creative, daring, and inviting ambience pertaining to how blood drives look and feel. 

“As part of the Stage for Life campaign, this initiative highlights the shared values of arts patrons and blood donors—community, compassion, and connection. With a goal to inspire first-time donors and encourage ongoing support, Stage for Life transforms blood donation into an act of generosity, much like the performing arts.”- Gretchen Jameson

Versiti and Milwaukee Ballet incorporated elements from the Sleeping Beauty fairytale such as home is where help begins, fate vs. free will, and the color story. Everyone in attendance also hit the lotto by receiving a buy-one-get-one-free ticket to the highly anticipated and exciting production of Sleeping Beauty presented by Milwaukee Ballet, which will run April 11th-13th at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. There’s no doubt that this event became visually appealing and was rooted heavily with the arts at the forefront but shockingly, it shared more knowledge and information that was heard and received for the first time by the communities in Milwaukee.

“With this partnership, we’re creating new ways for the community to engage and make a real difference for those in need. The arts and blood donation both reflect the belief that people need people.” -Gretchen Jameson 

The three percent of blood donors who annually stamp their mark is only a raindrop in a bucket compared to the percentage of community members who are able to donate–30%. After speaking with some of them I was surprised at how frequently I was hearing the reasons why they never were willing to donate blood before. 

“I thought my blood wouldn’t transmit easily into someone else.” 

“I have many health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure.”

“I never knew where to find out when the blood drives were held.” 

“I honestly didn’t think little old me would make a difference.” 

It amazed me how once people received the correct information and a unique spin on how blood donation events are decorated and tied into other community interests, the response rate and blood donors increased drastically! I’m here to set the record straight /CW fam. As long as you are 17 years old you can donate blood every 2 months. Remember to drink mountains of water, have a balanced diet, and don’t drink any alcohol or put in work at the gym after donating to celebrate. You will make a difference because as soon as Versiti’s blood drives are over, they immediately transport all blood collected to nearby hospitals and community centers in need. “Blood cannot be designed, manufactured, or replicated. Your neighbors, family members and children need you.” -Gretchen Jameson 

Fairytales aren’t always about a man and woman falling in love and driving off into the sunset. Most of the time, the message illustrates how it takes a village to establish tremendous health, connection, community, and compassion. 

Couldn’t make this event? No worries. This is only the very beginning for Versiti to partner up with other art organizations in the city to create an electrifying movement bringing music, visual arts, theatre, dance, and blood donation to center stage!

Visit their resource center located inside the ThriveOn King organization at 2153 N Dr.MLK Drive in Milwaukee, WI [right across the street from our studio /CW Creative Studios + Shop]. Drop a heart or clapping hands under their posts from the inaugural Sleeping Beauty Blood Drive on their Instagram @versitiblood

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

SUMMER STUDENT MEMBERSHIP SALE | GET 4 MONTHS OF /CW STUDIO ACCESS FOR A FLAT FEE OF $75

/ /CW CREATIVE STUDIOS + SHOP/

A membership to /CW Creative Studios is an access to creatively nuanced space. This Membership includes access to shared work space, but not just desking and conferencing but active workshop space for several different types of creative individuals and organizations. Whether you need space to work on a design, produce a fine art piece, or plan an event. This membership provides a space for that.

GET 4 MONTHS OF /CW STUDIO ACCESS FOR A FLAT FEE OF $75

DETAILS:

  • 1 TIME PAYMENT OF $75.00

  • MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE STUDENT ID [18+]

  • USE THE STUDIO DURING OUR HOURS OF OPERATION FROM MAY 1ST, 2025 TO AUGUST 31ST, 2025 [4 MONTHS]

  • GET 50% DISCOUNTS ON ALL /CW CREATIVE STUDIO RENTALS

  • 1 COMPLEMENTARY CREATIVE PORTFOLIO REVIEW FROM /CW TEAM

SnapShot Press Release | Topdog/Underdog [& a special invite to Legacy Night at the Milwaukee Chamber theater]

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Modern-day digitization of “parlor games” will have you responding in the comments of a random social media post that asks, “name a dynamic duo”, with answers like…

Batman & Robin

Bonnie & Clyde

Peanut butter & Jelly

Bert & Ernie

Mac….AND….CHEESE

The foolery warrants a good knee-slapping chuckle [because why are we like this? Lol]  but somewhere in the ether there lives another dynamic combination that is destined to teach us all something about our own humanistic bonds; Lincoln & Booth.

Now, for those of you who are history buffs, don’t start jumping down my throat. I'm not talking about Abraham [Lincoln] and John Wilkes [Booth]. I’m talking about the brothers [& I mean brothers who are BROTHERS in the biological & melanated sense] from playwright Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog.

Let’s make it clear: 

I am always baffled, yet mesmerized, by the execution of an obvious hustle.

I’m talking about a three-card monte on a flooding table and being a Black Man in America.

[If you can’t find the correlation, then it's already too late.]

On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, I was invited to experience a sneak peek scene reading from the play from the Milwaukee Chamber Theater, who will be ending their 50th-anniversary season with the Topdog/Underdog productions directed by Gavin Dillon Lawrence. This Here2Play event was hosted at Running Rebels [whose mission is to guide Milwaukee youth into adulthood through mentoring, positive programming, and community connection] and included a panel of esteemed Black Men from Milwaukee, making an impact in their community.

image by /CW

We witnessed actors Dimonte Henning [Booth] and Anthony Fleming III [Lincoln] capture the complexities of brothers in an unyielding predicament that is the Black experience, preparing for the April 25th to May 11th, 2025, show dates with vigor, humility, and humor. There scripted banter seemed natural and reflective of the insight panelist Vedale Hill [Milwaukee Fine Artist, Arts Educator, and Community Advocate], Nate Deans, Jr [Director of Black and Latino Male Achievement, Milwaukee Public Schools], Damon Shoates [Community Organizer, Running Rebels], and Lafayette L Crump, JD (Moderator) [City of Milwaukee Commissioner of City Development] transparently discussed. 

They untangled questions that directly acknowledged their existence [as a collective and as individuals] that have historically been snubbed in the public arena.

What does it mean to be a Black Man?

“Actualizing the dreams of my ancestors”. - Nate

“I get to have audacity”. - Vedale

“To be responsible for the history of my people - immediate & past history”. - Damon  

They lovingly gave us their intimate thoughts, recalibrating the toxic tropes of masculinity into reflections of who they are as men…

Evolving

Committed to uplifting

Partners of accountability

They each noted how they navigate the world they exist in with a sense of obligation that reaches far beyond their gain as stewards of a community that still needs help changing the narrative of the plight that has been unjustly cast upon it. 

image by /cw

“These young men are innovators and understand the literacy of social media. . .How do we as people who run systems, integrate young people and vulnerable groups into [that work]?”Nate stated as he discussed culturally competent pedagogy.

“Your perspective is important. All historical documents and archives are some kind of art form: written, sculptural, or visual. Art is the treasure box of what happened. If you don’t say what happened, your story, your position, and your perspective can be untold. . . I try to get young people to approach art in that type of honest and philosophical way”, Vedale preached.

But it is in this conversation that we are directed back to the art of Topdog/Underdog and what awaits us on the stage as art holds a mirror to our existence. 

It's a space that I want us to hold together…Let me clear my throat *hmmmm hmmm*... It’s a space I invite all of my BLACK community to hold together for Legacy Night.

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre & CopyWrite Magazine [as a community partner] invites Black and African American community members to join us for Legacy Night on April 30 at 7:00 pm, a special performance of TOPDOG/UNDERDOG by Suzan-Lori Parks dedicated to and celebrating the Black community. Join us beginning at 5:00pm for a special pre-show reception! Tickets are $30 (plus tax and ticket fees) with special code LEGACY. 

To be in community with each other gives us more opportunity to build bonds with each other that exemplify brotherhood, triumph over adversity, and unadulterated joy.

Let’s show our city what it feels like to win together.

See you at the theater!

Lexi S. Brunson | Editor-in-Chief /CW



COMMUNITY PULL UP | PAINT PARTY | SUNDAY APRIL 6TH, 2025 | 2PM-6PM

/ /CW CREATIVE STUDIOS + SHOP/

We are strong advocates of a Creative Economy. 

We know as professional creatives that the practice of making is best cultivated through collaboration. However, opportunities for creative collaboration can be sparse depending on age, locality, and personal network. Retention of talent [cultivated locally] will always be a problem unless we address it intentionally, constantly, & economically supported.

So /CW Creative Studio + Shop & Jazale’s Art Studio is doing something about it & we need your help.

Spring 2025, we will be introducing our new Artist-in-Residency Mentoring program, which we are calling THE CREATIVE COLLAB. This is a mentoring-focused Artist-in-Residency program that connects youth/young adults with professional creatives. Each participant will have access to mentors across the creative spectrum in their area of interest. Participants will be immersed in a diverse creative environment where they will witness everyday practices of creative professionalism, methods of creative production, problem-solving, the proper methods of documentation, and how best to utilize their specific skill sets.

But we need space for that!
So we are prepping a “makers space” to accommodate [& inspire] more young creatives, increase capacity, and accommodate art practices outside of our typical space use. 

We are asking our community to spare a little time to help us prep. You could:

  • Help us paint & organize the “makers space” at our Community Pull Up | Paint Party

  • Donate to our supply fund

  • Become a monthly member of the studio

    • [This helps us maintain a quality facility where programming is offered]

  • Consider renting our facility for your next event

  • Attend our creative programming & events

    • [each one #supportsthelocal]

We know that “Wisconsin’s creative sector supports nearly 90,000 jobs and provides $10.8b in economic value.” [ Wisconsin’s Creative Economy Coalition, wisconsincreates.com/.]. However, those numbers do not always represent a fair value payment to creatives. We have experienced the filtration system of funding, which results in extreme underpayment, a lack of consistency, and equitable economic opportunities for creatives. THE CREATIVE COLLAB | BRONZEVILLE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCY MENTOR PROGRAM is a good first step toward a more equitable and robust creative economy that supports and retains the next generation of innovators, changemakers, and great thinkers. 

Want to learn more or support our programming?
Hit us up at copywrite.mke@gmail.com Attn: THE CREATIVE COLLAB | BRONZEVILLE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCY MENTOR PROGRAM