Public Artist in Residence (PAIR) Program
The Milwaukee Arts Board operates the Public Artist in Residence (PAIR) pilot program to invest in the city’s cultural creators by leveraging the knowledge and practices of local artists to build a stronger Milwaukee.
Under the PAIR program, a local artist is contracted by a City of Milwaukee agency or department to develop, strategize, promote, and implement artist-driven solutions to complex civic challenges. The intended outcome is for the artist and City representatives to assess community needs, as well as develop and improve programs and initiatives through creative problem-solving.
For the second pilot year, the soon-to-be-selected artist and PAIR liaison will work wih the Milwaukee Fire Department to address safe housing, a foundational issue impacting all Milwaukeeans and all City departments.
In alignment with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s designation of 2026 as the “Year of Housing,” the residency will utilize the visibility of MFD’s fire stations and vehicles to highlight the fundamental human right to affordable housing and safe, survivable housing. MFD is uniquely positioned as anchors in every neighborhood and centrally immersed in every one of the many diverse communities in Milwaukee.
“The next phase of the Public Artist in Residence program reflects safe, stable housing as the foundation for strong neighborhoods and a thriving city,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “By partnering with the Milwaukee Fire Department, we are approaching housing safety in a way that is creative, community-centered, and proactive. This collaboration recognizes that preventing tragedy and strengthening housing conditions requires visibility and innovation, and this initiative brings all of this together for the benefit of Milwaukee residents”
“Safe housing is a matter of dignity, equity, and public safety. Through the Public Artist in Residence program, we recognize that artists are essential civic partners,” District 6 Alderwoman and Chair of Milwaukee Arts Board Milele A. Coggs said. “We are opening new pathways to engage residents, raising awareness to this critical issue, and addressing the real conditions impacting Milwaukee families. This initiative will ensure every Milwaukeean has access to safe and stable housing."
“The Milwaukee Fire Department is deeply committed to reducing injury and death from fire. We believe that the very best fire rescue is the one that we do not need to make – that is to say, if we can prevent a fire from happening, that is the real win,” Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski said. “Further, if a fire does occur, if proper smoke detection and alarms allow for occupants to self-evacuate, that is the real win. Because we reside on the very margin of success and failure over and over and over again, we are uniquely positioned to draw attention to the issue of safe and survivable housing.”
The intended outcome of the residency is for the artist and host department to assess community needs and develop or improve programs and initiatives through creative problem-solving. The nature of the collaboration will evolve based on the interests of the selected artist and the department’s needs. The program also creates opportunities for cross-sector networking and offers a collaborative, generative space to explore new models for artist residencies forced on social impact.
The first three months of the residency will focus on introductions, immersion, and learning. As the artist and PAIR liaison learn about city processes, and city employees learn about the artist’s approach to problem solving, those experiences will be shared with the public for transparency and engagement.
The Department of City Development has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for artist services for the PAIR program and a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to fill the PAIR Liaison position, which are both due March 16, 2026 by 11 a.m. CST.
More information on the RFP and RFQ can be found at milwaukee.gov/DCD/Projects/RFPs
City of Milwaukee Arts Board Releases Public Artist in Residence Evaluation Report
The evaluation report analyzes the PAIR Pilot Program based on review of internal documentation as well as news and media coverage. Ten interviews were conducted with a wide range of individuals, most of whom had connections to the program. The report begins with data and selected metrics that provide a statistical overview of the program. The Evaluation Report (ER) focuses on PAIR’s programmatic structure rather than the artwork it produced. The ER’s primary goal is to establish a forward-thinking framework for future PAIR iterations. The report identifies key areas to better understand where the program was successful in delivering on its goals and how it might be improved in future iterations. The report concludes with summary findings and recommendations.
Read the Public Artist In Residence Evaluation Report here
Read the Executive Summary of the Report here
City of Milwaukee Announces Public Artist in Residence Personnel Selections to Help Address Reckless Driving in Milwaukee
For this pilot year, the soon-to-be-selected artist will be placed in the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works (DPW) to develop innovative approaches that will help address reckless driving and create safer, stronger neighborhoods throughout the city.
“In order to solve challenges like the dangers of reckless driving, we need to deploy innovative solutions from a variety of perspectives, including Milwaukee’s arts community. That’s what the PAIR program is all about,” said Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, who was recently elected the new Chair of the Milwaukee Arts Board. “I have worked with many local artists and creatives over the years in the 6th District, and they have the creative mindset to help address complex issues in our city. I am looking forward to welcoming Milwaukee’s first artist-in-residence this year so we can get to work.”
Sarah Davitt will serve as the City of Milwaukee’s Public Artist in Residence. For 20 years, Sarah has been a working artist – making large scale retroreflective art environments in the community. These environments have been used to tell stories about a variety of subcultures, local history, and humanity to engage viewers with questions about life, identity, and experience.
Angie Livermore will serve as the PAIR Liaison. Angie has worked throughout Milwaukee to establish local relationships and create stronger communities. Angie has worked with several non-profits, including the Wisconsin Bike Federation, Artist Working in Education, COA, and more to bridge meaningful partnerships that benefit Milwaukee’s artistic community.
Sarah Davitt Angie Livermore