About WaterMarks
Our process activates people as stewards of the urban environment through art, science, and learning, anchored in community in neighborhoods across our city.
WaterMarks: An Atlas of Water for the City of Milwaukee
WaterMarks: An Atlas of Water for the City of Milwaukee is an inclusive initiative to develop an inclusive and urban-scaled vision for the city of Milwaukee, to help people better understand their relationships with the water systems and infrastructure that supports their lives. The WaterMarks is multi-layered framework to engage residents in their communities and throughout the city — with more information about the various parts and pieces of the WaterMarks initiative, below.
Our History
WaterMarks: An Atlas of Water for the City of Milwaukee started as a vision by New York City artist Mary Miss to develop a citywide network for participatory engagement, to help us all to share the significance of water in our everyday lives.
Walks/Workshops
We team local artists with scientists and community leaders for a series of free water-themed neighborhood walks. You never know who you'll meet or what you'll learn by walking public spaces with fresh eyes. The walks inform artists about project ideas.
Artist Projects
In collaboration with scientists and local community feedback, local artists develop a project proposal informed by the theme of water and designed to serve community needs. Then, we pay them to do what they do best: create meaningful, enduring art.
Voices
Throughout, we also listen closely. Our intention is to elevate local voices and share unique water stories that enrich our whole city's water-centric identity. We interview community members to curate a mélange of "Voices" that are shared online.
WaterMarkers
As funds allow, we work with community leaders to build and install their very own WaterMarker. Topped by a giant illuminated blue letter of their choice, this 30-foot pole is a solar-powered landmark offering free public WiFi that shares Voices and community content.
Digital Content
Fusing art, storytelling, and innovative experience design, WaterMarks leverages place-based digital media to encourage discovery and connection to water across Milwaukee neighborhoods.
Our Teams
Supported by the National Science Foundation to encourage informal science learning, our initiative connects an evolving ensemble of partners: artists, nonprofit organizations, water professionals, academics, community groups, and local residents.
Jones Island Stack
Illuminating the Milorganite stack on Jones Island near Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge is part of an aspirational vision to visibly unite a citywide network of markers with our common connection to Lake Michigan waters.
Header art credit: Sarah Gail Luther