Unity Bridge Art Project

The story of the Open Housing Marches can be a powerful invitation to greater unity in our city. We are calling on our many diverse groups from the North and South Side to draw inspiration from this 60 year old history, and help create ceramic murals that will stretch across the fencing on the James E. Groppi Unity Bridge.

This three year project will have an installation celebration at the end of each phase, with a growing number of groups being involved each year: 29 in 2026, 56 in 2027, and 116 in 2028 - the total of 200 murals will commemorate the 200 days of marching.

Remembering the love, commitment and courage modeled by these marchers can breathe new life into our community and help us hear the call for “Unity: Remembering the Past, Facing the Present, Envisioning the Future!”

This project includes four dimensions:

  1. Curriculum – the Open Housing story will be told to groups across the city in an informative and engaging manner. This includes slides and videos vividly recalling the past, and questions to elicit reflection and discussion. Participants will be asked to consider what in the story most inspired them, and what images might best express the message they would want to pass on.

  2. Creation – the murals will have 12 glazed tiles reproducing the images participants create after the presentation and discussion. These tiles will surround 4 center tiles that will highlight each collective group.  The murals will be mounted to the cyclone fencing along the bridge.

  3. Documentation – we are capturing the reflections and visions of willing participating members through interviews, photos and videos. Our hope is that the documentary as well as the art can inspire Milwaukee and beyond to reimagine what can be done when people come together to share their visions.

  4. Celebration – we will invite representatives from each group to be recognized for their service in helping create the Unity Bridge Installation.

Below you’ll see information on “Unity: Remembering the Past, Facing the Present, Envisioning the Future!” Phase I.

Video by Jenny Plevin – First Dib

Celebration for the Unity Bridge Art Project Phase I.

Insights on Phase I. Murals

Each of the 29 murals from phase I. are rich with the heartfelt meanings that our participants poured into their drawings! This narrative will be a work in progress and we invite all participants to add to it!

To view click here or scan the barcode.

Thank you to all our partners that worked on this first phase! If you are interested in working on Phase II. please contact us.