MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin’s largest city is one of 12 “Art-Places” throughout the nation.

Milwaukee received the honor from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a public-and-private coalition of large foundations.

Officials said Milwaukee is one of the best at combining the arts with restaurants, independent businesses, and a walkable lifestyle to create neighborhoods that are more vibrant.

The Greater Milwaukee Committee received a half-million dollar grant to start up a program that attracts high-technology talent to new design companies, and connects the talent to local businesses.

The other 11 “Art-Places” are Dallas, New York, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Miami Beach, Seattle, Portland Oregon, San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles.