Arts
Through accessible, high-quality arts programs, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) ensure that all students can explore their creativity, build confidence, and engage in meaningful learning experiences that inspire innovation and self-expression.
MPS believes the arts are essential to a well-rounded education, helping students think creatively, solve problems, and connect with the world around them. We are committed to honoring students’ cultures and making the arts accessible to all.
Art is essential for connecting learning experiences to the real world. Our schools provide sequential arts opportunities and arts-rich environments to help reach students who are otherwise not engaged, provide new challenges for successful students, and allow students to better understand themselves and each other.
Specialty Arts Schools
MPS offers arts-focused schools for students in all grades. If your child is passionate about the arts, explore what is offered at these schools:
Districtwide Programs
Art and music are offered at all MPS schools:
Art
Art at MPS focuses on the growth of confident and capable learners through standards-based learning. Our diverse approach harnesses critical, creative, and cultural thought.
Music
Music at MPS is a comprehensive and inclusive program that fosters creativity, cultural understanding, and lifelong appreciation for the arts. Through music, students develop creativity, self-expression, and a sense of history and community while building valuable life skills that support academic success and personal growth.
Annual MPS Arts Events
Battle of the Drumlines
Students at more than a dozen MPS middle schools and high schools can participate in drumlines. Their high-energy, synchronized performances are showcased at Battle of the Drumlines, the annual MPS event that crowns the all-city champion. The event is open to the public and attended by hundreds of people each year.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art Contest
Every year, MPS celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The art contest is open to students from K4 through grade 12 who live in (or are enrolled in a school in) the city of Milwaukee. The annual theme is based on Dr. King’s speeches or writings, and winners are showcased at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration.
WSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest
Middle and high school students prepare vocal or instrumental solos, duets, trios, or small ensembles to perform before an adjudicator. This event will feature more than 600 MPS students and is free and open to the public.
Biennial Music Festival
This festival is a celebration of music in MPS. Held every other year since 1924, the MPS Biennial Music Festival features drumline, world drumming, band, orchestra, choir, modern band, and a trumpet ensemble. More than 5,000 young musicians perform for friends and family at this free event, which is open to the public.
After-School Opportunities through Milwaukee Recreation
Milwaukee Recreation provides additional out-of-school-time arts and humanities opportunities for young people and families throughout the city of Milwaukee. Through a variety of programs, including the Partnership for the Arts and Humanities, the Arts Internship Program, and the Creative Allies Program, we are increasing access to the arts and humanities for the next generation.
Community Partnerships
We are grateful to the community partners who help us bring arts curriculum and experiences to MPS students:
- Arts @ Large
- Danceworks
- First Stage
- Florentine Opera Company
- Milwaukee Ballet
- Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
- Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
- Milwaukee Youth Theatre
- Skylight Music Theatre
- Wisconsin Conservatory of Music