In the Clouds (ITC) is our artist residency program! Learn more at itc.cactusplus.org

Apply for Artist Residency

ITC 2026 will consist of 3 artist residents:

• 1 virtual artist resident
• 2 in-person artist residents

Eligible applicants are Wisconsin-based emerging or established artists of any medium who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, and/or chronically ill. The residency will take place during the week of June 22-26th: the selected artists-in-residence (AiRs) will meet with their cohort, some of the Cactus Plus team, and participate in optional studio visits or field trips. ITC residents will meet (virtually or on-site) on May 26 to plan their residency week with the residency coordinator. AiRs are expected to participate in an artist talk and develop a community event — this may be a workshop, a skillshare, a panel discussion, a screening, an interactive community event – open to broad interpretations, online or in-person. All scheduled artist talks and community events will be completed by September 1, 2026.  AiRs are awarded a $1,500 stipend, which can be used to develop your event programming or for your own creative practice and living costs. The residency is primarily self-directed. No new work needs to be completed. There is no exhibition requirement.

With the generous support of Ruth Arts Wisconsin Special Projects Grant, ITC research began in 2024 as part of Cactus Plus’s Accessibility Initiative, which addresses barriers to artist and audience access. The 2026 residency is made possible by Wilhelm Family Foundation.

Virtual residency

• June 22-26, 2026
• $1,500 stipend
• The virtual AiR will host their community event and artist talk online, scheduled no later than Sept. 1, 2026
• Virtual format allows CC’s substantial internet presence to showcase the AiR’s programming and creative work, welcoming engagement and circulating disabled, chronically ill, and/or neurodivergent practices
  • From the AiR’s space(s) of creative practice, their work can be hosted via our TikTok, Youtube, Vimeo and/or Instagram platforms, as collaboratively determined
• The virtual AiR is required to have internet access, which the stipend can help obtain, and a means to document and share their practice or process online.
• The virtual AiR will connect with the residency coordinator and Cactus staff via video calls or email
• Access to Adobe Creative Cloud account during residency
• Opportunities for virtual studio visits and connections with artists and curators
• Does not require presence at CC

In-person residency

• June 22-26, 2026
• $1,500 stipend
• ITC residents’ community events and artist talks will take place at Cactus Club, scheduled no later than Sept. 1, 2026
• Meet and connect with ITC cohort and Cactus+ and Cactus Club staff
• Access to an on-site computer with the full Adobe Suite (Photoshop/Illustrator/Premiere/After Effects/etc.), Final Cut Pro, Logic, and Ableton
  • Plus screenprinting equipment and a Risograph printer!
• Opportunities to connect with other artists, curators, and arts spaces via optional studio visits and field trips
• The option of temporary living accommodations in CC’s apartment (which is only accessible via stairs to the second floor)
• The in-person AiR’s work can be hosted by our TikTok, Youtube, Vimeo and/or Instagram platforms, as collaboratively determined

Please refer to the ITC Q&A on the application page for more details!

Apply for Artist Residency