The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) and MKE <-> LAX are pleased to announce HERE!, a summer talent search for people and places in the Choice Neighborhood Initiative area on Milwaukee’s northwest side. The talent search is supporting the production of a creative placemaking plan to stimulate long-term art, civic engagement and cultural leadership throughout the CNI area.

CNI is a City of Milwaukee project focused on helping the emerging area of Westlawn Gardens and the surrounding neighborhood on the northwest side of Milwaukee reach its full potential as a sustainable, green community with quality housing, schools, businesses, services, and amenities.

HERE!, which is directed by Milwaukee-based artists MKE<->LAX, Mikal Floyd-Pruitt and Anjail Floyd-Pruitt in collaboration with Fondé Bridges, Adam Carr, Manny Vibe$ and HACM will highlight the many cultures of the CNI area, encouraging neighbors to learn about and appreciate each other. The project seeks to understand where neighbors are currently gathering in the CNI area as well as where they might like to gather more.

Artists are holding pop-ups throughout the CNI through September and will be generating videos highlighting local talent. Pop-ups have already occurred at CNI area assets, including Havenwoods State Forest, National Night Out, Collier Creations, Richard Kluge Elementary School, and Milwaukee Public Library Express Library.

The videos captured at pop-ups will be screened at neighborhood gatherings and through spontaneous streetside engagement. The initial video screening will take place in connection with Mayor Barrett’s Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge and the CNI Summer Block Party.

In addition, the videos will be shared on CNI social media platforms. CNI residents and workers, as well as others connected to the area are encouraged to make and post media of their own creation, using the hashtag #HERECNI. The pop-ups will also include the creation and distribution of physical markers highlighting neighborhood cultural treasures.

If you would like to participate in the talent search, please contact Paul Williams at Paul.Williams@hacm.org or visit www.mke-cni.org.