The Milwaukee Vortex, DIY culture, “Yes, and...” Thinking  

In this special episode of Creative MKE, we’re sharing conversations from a special event Imagine MKE hosted at Washington Park Media Center earlier this year. The event was a gathering of arts, culture and creative industry leaders brought together to discuss the strengths and opportunities of Milwaukee’s creative culture. In the discussion, guests touch on: the waterways, walkability and park system in Milwaukee, the ease of DIY creation and collaborations and the simultaneous challenge of scarcity mindsets, and the magnetic power (or sports franchise potential?) of the “the Milwaukee Vortex.” 

This conversation features Linda Edelstein, Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra; Kim Miller, artist and the chair of MIAD’s fine Art Dept.; Darius Smith, Program Director, Gener8tor Art, also an artist, mental health advocate; Kantara Souffrant, Curator of Community Dialogue, Milwaukee Art Museum; Maureen Ragalie, Managing Director of Gener8tor Art; Jason Yi, professor at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, artist and gallerist at Hawthorn Contemporary; Xela Garcia, Executive Director of Walkers Point Center for the Arts, also an artist and writer; and Joe Poeschl, Director of Engagement at Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition.  

Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra 

Gener8tor Art 

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design 

Milwaukee Art Museum  

Hawthorn Contemporary 

Walkers Point Center for the Arts 

MKE Tech Hub Coalition 

Greater Milwaukee Committee: The Commons  

Kristina Rolander 

Washington Park Media Center  

Stryv365

Additional episode music: Tiger Technique "Oakvale of Albion"; Headspace Torus "Main Version 01"