Aether Society

Milwaukee's Creative Future, In Progress

Project Summary

Aether is the visionary transformation of a 67,692 sq ft historic building in Milwaukee's vibrant Design District. This expansive space is becoming the permanent home of House of RAD, a dynamic grassroots, artist-run arts facility at the heart of Milwaukee's diverse creative economy.

Our vision is to establish Aether as the largest independent artist incubator in the region. This future-forward campus will feature over 60+ dedicated artist studios, state-of-the-art fabrication labs, dynamic galleries, and flexible community event spaces. More than just a building, Aether will be a cornerstone for creative workforce development, poised to serve as a national model for adaptive reuse, inclusive placemaking, and sustainable artist ownership. We are creating a unique ecosystem where art, innovation, and community thrive.

Impact & Value Proposition

Investing in Aether means investing in the economic and cultural vitality of Milwaukee. We are dedicated to serving:

• Local BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ artists and entrepreneurs: Providing equitable access to resources, affordable space, and opportunities that are often out of reach. This direct support strengthens our local creative economy and fosters a more inclusive arts landscape.
• Creative entrepreneurs and makers: Offering critical infrastructure and collaborative environments for growth and innovation.
• Public audiences: Engaging the community through accessible workshops, residencies, and diverse public events, fostering cultural exchange and education.
• City and regional partners: Contributing to economic development and urban revitalization by transforming a historic anchor into a vibrant hub.

Aether will immediately generate:

• 60+ new creative jobs and dedicated studio spaces.
• Substantial local construction work, employing skilled trades.
• A diverse array of accessible public programs, enriching the community.
• The revitalization of a significant historic neighborhood anchor, boosting local commerce and foot traffic in the Design District.

Our unique approach to artist ownership and inclusive placemaking sets a new standard, positioning Aether as a blueprint for creative development nationwide.

Progress & Momentum

We've already laid significant groundwork, demonstrating our commitment and capabilities:

• Secured the Building: Acquired the property via land contract in 2023, establishing a long-term home for House of RAD.
• Initial Investment: Invested over $200K+ in down payment and critical early renovations, including adding more electricity to the building and drains plumbed in the event space.
• Established Network: Successfully maintained a vibrant network of over 60+ artist members and sustained robust event programming throughout this development phase.
• Accolades & Recognition: Secured notable public art commissions, garnered positive press, and received prestigious awards, validating our impact and vision. Such as the 2025 Mayor's Design Award for the Beerline Trail project.

The Opportunity: Bridge Capital for Completion

Due to shifting economic conditions, including rising construction costs, our projected investments for the full buildout have temporarily stalled.

• Fund essential buildout stages, including drains, plumbing, and concrete for AP3 and the event space. Enable us to secure permits and activate first-phase occupancy, getting artists into new spaces sooner. Position us strongly for larger funding opportunities.

Your investment will accelerate the realization of Milwaukee's largest creative hub, delivering immediate and lasting impact.

Support Options

"I know someone who might help"

"I can offer skills, services,  or materials"

"I want to fund a studio or leave a legacy"

" I want to contribute financially"

Contact Aether Society

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