UPAF Connect

Connecting Communities to the Arts
Greater Milwaukee is home to an incredible array of world-class performing arts organizations. However, many residents do not have access to our region’s cultural assets. UPAF Connect, presented by Northwestern Mutual, partners with local nonprofits to bring the performing arts to new audiences and ensure that all in our community can find inspiration, entertainment and connection through the arts.
With a gift of $1,200 or more, you can designate a portion of your gift to UPAF Connect or one of our other Community Impact Programs and change countless lives through the performing arts.
24 nonprofit partners receive tailored arts programming at no cost
More than 3,300 residents of Greater Milwaukee served
Over 1/3 of audience members experienced their first class or performance ever
240 outreach events take place each year including performances, workshops and classes showcasing the best in music, dance and theater
For more information, view the 2019-2020 UPAF Connect Impact Report.

It never ceases to amaze me how little our students know about the city they live in. They simply have no access and awareness of the incredible opportunities and programming that are available just a few miles up the road. So many pieces of the cultural landscape of Milwaukee feel out of reach to them or ‘not for them.’ Our partnership with UPAF has helped to break down those walls and help them discover new passions, new opportunities, and a new awareness of the arts in Milwaukee.
Nathan CarlbergUPAF partners with the following organizations to bring the arts to new audiences:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee
Cristo Rey Jesuit Academy
Dominican Center
Grand Avenue Club
Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership
La Casa de Esperanza
Life Navigators
Lighthouse Youth Center
Meta House
Neighborhood House
Next Door
PEARLS for Teen Girls
Penfield Children’s Center & Penfield Montessori Academy
Project Kindred
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Serenity Inns
Silver Spring Neighborhood Center
Sojourner Family Peace Center
St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care
St. Augustine Preparatory Academy
St. Joan Antida High School
United Community Center
Variety the Children's Charity
UPAF could not do this work without the generous support of our 2022 UPAF Connect sponsors:
Austin & Heather Ramirez