TBEY Arts Center, Inc. (TBEY) has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s arts community for over two decades. Founded in 2000 by Contessa Cole at just 16 years old, TBEY was created in response to the decline of arts programs in local schools. Today, TBEY remains committed to providing accessible arts education and cultural opportunities for youth in underserved communities.

TBEY currently partners with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to deliver critical arts instruction in schools that lack this resource. Additionally, TBEY offers vibrant after-school and summer arts programs at its dedicated studio, empowering youth from diverse backgrounds to explore their creativity and build essential life and career skills.

To date, TBEY has positively impacted the lives of over 20,000 youth, with 80% identifying as youth and young adults of color. Many TBEY alumni have gone on to successful careers in the arts and beyond, highlighting TBEY’s vital role as a pipeline for workforce development in Milwaukee’s creative industries.

TBEY is an educational organization for the urban community where classes dedicated to the arts are taught to youth members who otherwise might have little or no opportunity to learn these skills because of location or cost. TBEY is a multi-programmed, youth serving agency designed to enhance the overall mission to promote the arts. TBEY has its own unique qualities and are committed to teach on an arts educated level.

TBEY offers opportunities to improve education and personal development. It will also offer the opportunity to build the urban community and personal capacity to all through positive reinforcement. TBEY will provide a place where the youth can gather and link with peers that have the same passion and interest in the arts. An important criterion for success will be the degree to which TBEY becomes an integral part and make a positive impact to all youth that are and will be a participant of TBEY.

TBEY is a place where the youth call their own, express themselves through the arts, be creative and have fun at the same time.

Spring Theatre Production: Complaint Department and Lemonade

Help TBEY deliver an incredible theatrical experience