J o y E n ig n e 2 0 2 5
Y e a rE n d I m p a c t R e p o r t
Mission Statement
Joy Engine is a nonprofit public art organization curating intentional, immersive art experiences to connect, uplift, and inspire the Milwaukee commmunity.
Message from Steph Salvia, Executive Director
Dear Community,
Joy Engine creates free, all-ages public art experiences that bring Milwaukee together. By activating reimagined spaces and partnering with local artists, we spark joy, curiosity, and connection across neighborhoods; creating shared cultural experiences that strengthen city pride and social connection. Celebrating through art helps us imagine a more joyful future together.
I’m proud to share Joy Engine’s latest impact report, which highlights some of our most meaningful work from the past year. From ArtBlaze, our immersive summer arts series that brings creative energy to Milwaukee’s public beaches, to unique sponsorship collaborations like the Milwaukee River Round Up, to our Joy Grants program that funds local artists and community-led projects. We’re committed to using art as an engine for connection, equity, and of course, joy. This report captures how your support fuels that mission and the tangible ways we’re helping Milwaukee thrive.
On a personal note, I am beyond grateful to lead a nonprofit that isn’t afraid to dream big, get a little weird, and infuse everyday spaces with wonder. It’s a true honor to work alongside artists, partners, supporters, neighbors and visitors who share our belief that joy is essential, and that art can be the engine that drives it. What a blast to be a part of something so delightfully bold. Thank you!
Steph Salvia Executive Director
Event HighlightsArtBlaze Event HighlightsArtBlaze
ArtBlaze is a series of free, family-friendly events designed to be a celebration of community, creativity, and connection.
After its popular debut at Bradford and South Shore in 2024, ArtBlaze returned for the second season. The event made a real splash this summer at McKinley Beach, featuring live music, dancers, local vendors, hands-on art activities, and delicious waterside s’mores.
Join us in 2026 on McKinley and South Shore beaches!
“Love what you guys are doing”
- Kenzie S.
“Keep up the amazing work!”
- Craig R.
“Love the Joy Engine events!”
- Ashley N.
ArtBlaze Impact ArtBlaze Impact
FuzzPop Workshop and UW-Milwaukee’s School of Architecture & Urban Planning Students
Joy Engine commissioned FuzzPop Workshop, with the help of UW-Milwaukee students from the School of Architecture & Urban Planning to bring to life our 2025 ArtBlaze art installation, Threshold.
The sculptures stretched nearly 1,000 feet and stood 25’ tall with enchanting loops and curls that sprawled from sand to water, forming an open space to gather and play.
Ability Center
We’re so grateful to The Ability Center for helping us make ArtBlaze more accessible! They generously loaned us mobility mats and beach wheelchairs so everyone could fully participate and experience the enchanting art installation up close.
Accessibility is core to our mission, and we believe that public art experiences should be inclusive for everyone.
The
Marketing Marketing
Snapshot of Financials Snapshot of Financials
Our financial report reflects how our values show up in practice. The majority of our funds are directed toward programming, ensuring that resources primarily support local artists, public art experiences, and community impact. We allocate our funds to deliver meaningful programming that aligns with our values and mission.
Through our JOY Grant, we award over $50K annually to help local artists and organizations spread joy through art in our communities.
2025 Grant Recipients:
The Native Wellness Garden at
Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health
Natalie Derr
Nateya Taylor
Milwaz Talleres
Riverworks Development
Corporation & Heard Space MKE
Your Move MKE Inc.
Quasimondo Physical Theatre
Derr received funds to support the documentary film, Forged by Steele, that follows Issac Steele, a third-generation Black cowboy who runs a Western-themed welding shop in Milwaukee and mentors local youth.
Derr will be premiering the film at next year’s Milwaukee Film Festival on March 29 at The Historic Oriental Theatre. th
Stay tuned for our 2026 grant recipients!
SSponsorships ponsorships
MKE River Round Up
Sacred Song of Life Beet Street
Milwaukee Night Market
Washington Park Wednesdays
