MILWAUKEE WATER COMMONS
WE ARE WATER
A rich, inter-arts cultural celebration that brings people together
from all parts of the city to honor our shared waters
Sustaining Water for Generations Beyond
Video Credits to Joel Peregrine
On Sunday, August 13th, Milwaukeeans from every part of the city gathered at South Shore Park Beach to join the 9th annual rendition of We Are Water. The beach was alive with activity as attendees sang, danced, and made art to honor our reciprocal relationship with water.
Thank you to all our partners and friends who attended, participated, and supported our mission here at Milwaukee Water Commons. We are immensely grateful for all the support that made this celebration so extraordinary.
We Are Water is more than just an event; it is a profound reminder of water's essential role in taking care of us and the recognition of our duty to safeguard its existence. Now more than ever, this connection to one another and the water is needed as we strive to be united as a community.
Scenes from We Are Water 2023
Photo Credits to Joe Brusky and Milwaukee Water Commons Staff
Past themes have included:
We are Water Healers
The Great Lakes are Our Home
Native Names for Our Waters
Somos Agua: We Are Water
We have featured a Native American water ceremony, music and singing, interpretive dance, drumming, poetry, improvisation and original spoken word performance. Collaborative performers bring their own work and ideas to the event and audience participation is included.
The evening capstone to this experience is the community creation of a large interactive art installation, an illuminated image of the Great Lakes or written word in the sand. All attendees take part in creating this, placing over 300 cups of water with submersible lights in a drawing in the sand.
We Are Water continues to be a very moving and singular experience. Participants have told us they were fully engaged and touched by participating in this beautiful, collaborative creation and felt a deep sense of connection to both the community and our shared waters.
Please join us next year! You are welcome!