Dear Colleagues and Partners, I am pleased to welcome Samuel Guerrero as the new Associate Director of UW-Madison’s Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI). Sam brings a creative, student-centered approach to this key leadership role. …
Nia Scott
Activation: Sammy Dyrud’s Creative Legacy
Designer, dancer, and dreamer, Sammy Dyrud (15th Cohort) is making First Wave history as she spearheads design development in the collaboration between the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) and Wisconsin Design Team (WDT) for …
In the Room Where Decisions are Made: Caasi Woji’s Path to Presidency
Bold, kind, and confident, First Wave Scholar Caasi Woji (15th Cohort) is trailblazing her way through her senior year as both Senior Class Office President and Black History Month Planning Committee Co-Chair. Caasi grew up …
UW–Madison’s 19th Annual Line Breaks Festival Explores Activation Through Arts Across Mediums, Narratives and Generations
OMAI’s signature festival returns with performances, exhibitions, and lectures connecting campus and the Madison community. MADISON, Wis. — The Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will host the 19th annual …
February Recap
Waves of Creativity: Inside OMAI’s February To kick off the busy month, the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) co-hosted, in partnership with Marcille J Lee and People program, the Level Up conference on January …
OMAI’s annual hip hop arts and activism festival returns October 24–25 in Madison
MADISON, Wis. (Oct. 23, 2025) — The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) will host its 19th annual Passing the Mic Festival on October 24–25, 2025, bringing together youth artists, educators, and …
Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives at UW-Madison welcomes Hip Hop Artist in Residency Kenji Summers to campus
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) welcomes contemplative artist, certified mindfulness instructor, and attention activist, Kenji Summers on Friday, February 23 through Saturday, March 2, 2024, for a series of engagements, …
Apply to the First Wave Program!
Calling all young scholars, creatives and community leaders: we are excited to introduce you to our program, the first and only four-year, full-tuition scholarship for Hip Hop and urban arts: First Wave! First Wave …
Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives at UW-Madison welcomes back Marc Bamuthi Joseph the third Hip Hop Artist Residency of the year
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) welcomes award-winning, internationally acclaimed interdisciplinary artist, educator and cultural worker Marc Bamuthi Joseph to campus on Wednesday, January 31 through Saturday, February 3, 2024 for …
OMAI Welcomes New Staff
The Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) is honored to welcome two new team members for Spring 2024. Kayla McGhee (she/they) is stepping in as Interim Associate Director (January – May 31, 2024) with a …