Milwaukee's identity and culture are deeply tied to water. The Great Lakes nurtured our ancestors and continue to shape us as a people and as a community.  Artistic expression can enhance our sense of connection to our waters, help us confront the threats and stimulate new patterns of engagement where other methods fall short.  
 
A strong water culture, stimulated by the arts, will support the implementation of all the other Water City initiatives, will build identity and bring people together from all walks of life and experience. Water-inspired art will appeal to the hearts of all Milwaukeeans through expressions of beauty, creativity and spirituality.