Team of UWM & PSOA students launch online job networking app for artists

ArtsConnect team poses for photo
Left to right: Richard Minten, Mitchell Allen, Lilith Lenz, Noah Welsh, Alex Cox | Submitted photo

Recent PSOA graduates, one current student, and other colleagues in the Milwaukee area are making it easier for artists to find opportunities with their startup called ArtsConnect.

This project began in December 2022 on the UWM campus, when then-student Lilith Lenz (BA 2023, Music) noticed that her fellow music students wanted another resource to help find work in the arts.

Lenz, who is now ArtsConnect CEO, noticed that there are a variety of job opportunities available for arts students; what was lacking was a way to find them tailored to creatives.

“I know the struggles to find a job and feel confused about what to do,” said Lenz. “Often times Wisconsin students may think ‘Do I have to move to New York or LA to find work?’ But there are options out there. Knowing the options is really our core value.”

Lenz approached current UWM student Noah Welsh during a Community of Creative Arts meeting with the idea for a site that provided mentorship and connections for young artists. Welsh would become ArtsConnect’s Chief Creative Officer.

The ArtsConnect logo appears on a cell phone.
A mockup of the ArtsConnect app | Submitted graphic

Now, ArtsConnect is a resource for students that strives to inspire and empower creative minds by helping them build a network and find work opportunities in the arts. Lenz and Welsh now work alongside marketing director Richard Minten (BFA 2024, Film), Chief Financial Officer Alex Cox, and Chief Technology Officer Mitchell Allen.

“Our mission is really to give young creative talent the opportunity to grow and network,” said Lenz. “We want to give artists the opportunity to find jobs but also to showcase their talents.”

As a new startup, Lenz and the company are still seeking ways to expand ArtsConnect. Their most recent creative endeavor is the launch of their Pilot Program, which gives users first access to ArtsConnect functionality, including job opportunities, internships, and creative projects.

The mission of ArtsConnect is not currently driven by profiting off students eager to find jobs.

“The future of ArtsConnect is not just to make a lot of money,” said Lenz. “The future is to create a thriving environment for creative minds. We want students to not be scared of finding a job.”

Read more about ArtsConnect and their Pilot Program on their website.


Story by Jason McCullum ’25