50 MIAD Est. 1974

Celebrating 50 years of art & design education.

The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) proudly celebrates 50 years of art and design education in 2024, and boldly looks to a shared creative future of innovation and service with our students, our Greater Milwaukee community, and beyond.

Events

There are many opportunities to continue celebrating MIAD’s 50th anniversary this fall. We can’t wait to see you! 

The Oscar Meyer Weinermobile outside MIAD's building.

Brooks Stevens Cars x Coffee

August 25, 2024 | MIAD
Car show, coffee, exhibition and more

A pale pink papercut and mixed media artwork of two children.

Gallery Receptions

Sept. 19, 2024, 6 – 8 p.m. | MIAD Galleries
Receptions for two MIAD exhibitions

Alumni reunion sign outside MIAD's campus.

Alumni Reunion

Oct. 18 & 19, 2024 | MIAD
Reconnect with other MIAD alumni

An abstract painting of a figure with lips and eyes.

MIAD Pathsetters

Oct. 18 – Dec. 7, 2024 | MIAD
An Emeriti Exhibition

1974 – Present

Our History

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1974
MIAD founded
Charlotte Partridge and Miriam Frink

MIAD is founded, born from the nationally acclaimed Layton School of Art (est. 1920) and the forward-thinking legacy of its founders, life partners Charlotte Partridge and Miriam Frink.

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1992
MIAD moves to current building
An interior shot of of the MIAD Third Ward building

MIAD moves to its current Third Ward location at 273 E. Erie St. Admissions gave hardhat tours during construction of the new building. 

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2006
MIAD logo created
MIAD 50: Celebrating 50 years of art & design education.

MIAD’s current logo is created by designers Chermayeff & Geismar.

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2014–2019
Enrollment increases
A group of graduating students celebrates in an auditorium

Enrollment increases 50%, reaching 920 students.

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2019
Equity & Inclusion
Equity and Inclusion Center

Equity & Inclusion Center opens.

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2023
Present day
MIAD exterior

The college completes its $10 million Our Creative Future campaign, Fashion and Apparel Design major launches, MIAD Gallery at The Ave opens, enrollment holds strong at 877; first year-retention is 86%