If you saw a show in Milwaukee, where would it be, typically? The local music scene is often primarily spread into Bay View and Riverwest, but Arte Para Todos brings artist performances to other neighborhoods in Milwaukee. The second annual Arte Para Todos (Art For Everyone) takes place this weekend, April 21-April 24. Read on!
“The goal of Arte Para Todos is three-pronged: to celebrate the rich art and music scene we have in Milwaukee, to raise awareness about disappearing art and music classes in Milwaukee schools, and to try and support some schools that are struggling with cuts to their art and music programs,” said Josh Evert, one of APT’s organizers.
This year’s festival will include 25 different venues and feature over 90 local bands. (Check out the lineup!) All proceeds go back into the community — supporting art and music programs in four Milwaukee area schools. The multi-venue aspect makes it so the event can reach as many people as possible.
“The festival is multi-neighborhood because the defunding of arts is affecting many neighborhoods, not just one. Plus, it allows us to reach out to many more venues and people than we could just booking one neighborhood,” said Evert.
Last year, Arte Para Todos raised $21,235.19, double their anticipated amount. All of these profits were donated to support Milwaukee schools and their under-funded art and music programs. This year, they’ve added two new neighborhoods to the event (Walker’s Point and Harambee) in order to generate greater inclusivity, growth and invovlement.
Harambee will have a handful of awesome artists performing at venues Best Friendz and Lux Bar. Also, there will be a free poetry showcase at Jazale’s Art Studio from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
In addition to the performances during the festival’s four day span, Art Para Todos has organized seven in-school shows in Milwaukee schools in order to cultivate a further appreciation and excitement for art and music among Milwaukee youth.
This year’s festival has seen incredible community involvement, with Colectivo offering a special Arte Para Todos coffee blend. Each pound of coffee purchased, Colectivo will donate $1 to the mission. Also, Company Brewing is almost ready to tap their special Arte Para Todos beer!
APT has collaborated with Gloss Records to create a 2016 Festival Compilation cassette tape that includes 23 original songs from performers along with interviews from APT’s organizers. It’s also available as a "pay what you can" digital release on Bandcamp.
Discover a new venue, neighborhood or artist this weekend! For any one show, the cost is $7 at the door. If you’d rather get the full affect and take it all in, there are 1-day passes (prices vary depending on venue) and 4-day passes ($25). Click here to get your tickets!
