Campus
MIAD’s campus is located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward; some twenty blocks of renovated warehouses, artists lofts, theaters, businesses, shops, and restaurants. A destination for both tourists and residents, the Third Ward possesses a distinct and unique urban flavor.
A mainstay in the Third Ward, MIAD has since become the catalyst for further growth in the area. Now at the center of this thriving arts community, the college benefits from the region’s new-found prosperity while continuing to add to it.
Safe, public transportation stops near MIAD’s campus, and within walking distance are the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Milwaukee Public Museum and Library. There are also various lakefront activities, and assorted festivals at the Summerfest grounds featuring music and entertainment from around the world. Within a block there’s the Broadway Theater Center, with three resident companies. And just a few blocks away is the Marcus Center, featuring major pop and classic concerts as well as local touring performance groups. Throughout the city are scores of ethnic, fast food, and high cuisine restaurants, and the nearby shops at The Avenue offer 160 diverse stores and hosts MIAD’s first off-campus gallery space, the Gallery at The Ave.
News
Fashion students design adaptive clothing for Independence First
For the second year in a row, Fashion and Apparel Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked with Independence First to design adaptive clothing tailor-made for two people who use wheelchairs. The project is part of a junior-level Patternmaking & Construction course.
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Nichole Uecker
Nichole Uecker, Student Accessibility Coordinator, received the October 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Nichole’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Community, Inclusion and Kindness.
Personal and professional passion inspire Product Design student
When senior Carmen Briones’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during Briones’ sophomore year at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), finding a bra that was comfortable with a medical port became an additional challenge. Briones ’26 (Product Design) answered that challenge in her Design for Human Interface class by designing a product that reduces pain while increasing mobility.
Toy design at Squishmallows: MIAD student develops confidence
When she first got the internship offer from Squishmallows at Jazwares, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Melody Frias ’26 (Communication Design and Illustration) thought she was in shock. Months after the internship concluded, Frias still reads that email when she needs a boost.
Collections Spotlight: Helen Hoppin
Not only is the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) home to two formal gallery spaces hosting numerous external exhibitions, the college also boasts its own large collection focusing on work produced by founders and early students.