With a new frame to be installed at Kilbourn Reservoir Park, The Hoan Group and Visit Milwaukee seek artists to aid in the design
The Hoan Group and Visit Milwaukee are teaming up once again to relaunch Framing Wisco in 2025, with a new permanent frame installation set to debut in one of Milwaukee’s unique urban greenspaces—and local artists are being called on to help bring it to life.
First introduced in 2024, Framing Wisco is more than just a photo opportunity. It’s a public art initiative rooted in placemaking, designed to beautify shared spaces and create new, interactive landmarks that celebrate Milwaukee’s culture, creativity, and community spirit. Each frame is strategically placed to showcase iconic views and invite locals and visitors alike to engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways.
"In 2025, Visit Milwaukee is proud to be collaborating with the Hoan Group to expand Framing Wisco beyond Milwaukee’s lakefront,” said Peggy Williams-Smith, President and CEO of Visit Milwaukee. “The location we have chosen for 2025 will offer both residents and travelers alike another unique way to experience the beauty and vibrancy of our city.”
Following the success of the 2024 frames at Bradford Beach and South Shore Park, this year’s expansion focused on bringing Framing Wisco into additional neighborhoods. “Kilbourn Reservoir Park felt like a no-brainer,” said Ian Abston, founder of the Hoan Group. “It sits at the intersection of Harambee, Riverwest, and Brewer’s Hill—and with Stella’s Playground set to make it Milwaukee’s first fully accessible park, this installation will spark pride, connection, and a sense of discovery for residents and visitors alike.”
New in 2025, residents will have a chance to influence the frame’s design. Through Ideawake’s new community-based voting technology, residents can vote on their favorite submissions from local artists, ensuring the frame at Kilbourn Reservoir Park will be designed to reflect the character and identity of the neighborhood it calls home. Ideawake is available now for artists to submit their proposals, with more information to follow on how the larger community can get involved in the voting process.
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
The Hoan Group and Visit Milwaukee are seeking qualified applicants to submit proposals for the design of the new Framing Wisco public art installations. Selected artists will collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure each piece authentically represents its community.
CALL FOR SPONSORS:
Join a high-impact placemaking initiative that inspires pride, celebrates creativity, and drives visitor engagement. Sponsoring Framing Wisco aligns your brand with the heart of Milwaukee’s cultural identity while putting your name at the center of a new city landmark. Contact The Hoan Group or Visit Milwaukee to learn more.
👉 To view or share the RFQ, click here.
👉To visit the Framing Wisco website, click here.
👉To submit your proposal on Ideawake, click here.