NEA Awards $50,000 Grant to Support Development of Beerline Trail

Press Release by Mayor Tom Barrett

MILWAUKEE – The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded a $50,000 Our Town grant to the Beerline Trail Neighborhood Development Project in the city’s Riverwest Area.

The grant will be used to support ongoing development along the Beerline Trail, a former railway, running diagonally from the intersection of Burleigh and Bremen Streets to the northwest past Capitol Drive. Project activities along the trail will include temporary and seasonal activation of public space.

Development of the park is being lead by the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works in collaboration with a local team of art, design and neighbor engagement leaders, the Greater Milwaukee Committee and neighborhood associations.

“In Milwaukee we recognize the power of the arts to help move critical city initiatives forward,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “From neighborhood economic development, to activating formerly abandoned spaces or bringing residents together to reclaim neighborhood parks, artists bring innovative thinking and fresh perspectives.”

“We’re very grateful that the NEA, with this Our Town grant, has chosen to recognize our innovative redevelopment and activation efforts along the Beerline Trail,” said Julia Taylor, president of the GMC. “It will further our efforts toward making the Beerline Trail Neighborhood a more inviting and stimulating place for local residents and visitors.”

Read the full press release here.