MIAD artists received almost double the Ruth Arts award. “We are deeply grateful for the increased support and trust in our mission,” said MIAD President Jeffrey Morin.

The nationally recognized Ruth Foundation for the Arts (Ruth Arts) nearly doubled its award to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) in support of the Ruth Arts + MIAD Artists Grant Program.

The college was one of three Milwaukee-centered organizations to pilot the program in the 2023–2024 academic year to support research and development of work by individual artists and designers who are faculty and staff at the college.

In December, MIAD was awarded $145,000 for the new cycle. Of this amount, $120,000 provides twelve to twenty artists with amounts of $6,000 or $10,000, and $25,000 will support administration and promotion of the work. The artists and designers are selected through a juried process, announced in February 2025, who will complete their work by March 1, 2026.

“The Ruth Foundation for the Arts’ support of the artists and designers who work as faculty and staff at MIAD has energized and uplifted the individual practices of those who receive the grants and the entire college community,” said MIAD President Jeffrey Morin.

“Education of students and administration of the college are the priority for all at MIAD. At the same time, by providing resources and financial relief to recipients, the grants make visible the depth of professional work done outside the classroom, studios, and office spaces,” continued President Morin. “The Ruth Arts + MIAD Artist Grant recipients’ work is varied, innovative, and speaks to current issues that enhance formal and informal interactions with students and colleagues across all majors. We are deeply grateful for the increased support and trust in our mission.”

Previous grant recipients are currently making college-wide presentations of their work.