Charles Allis Art Museum Artist in Residence 2027
The Charles Allis Art Museum Artist in Residency (AiR) program gives one artist the opportunity to engage with the Allis’ collection of more than 800 historic pieces from the early 20th century. Located in Milwaukee’s dynamic Lower East Side neighborhood, the program invites the artist to engage the community, develop public programs, and connect with art professionals through meaningful conversations about their practice. The program culminates in a distinct artist exhibition throughout the historic Allis home. The workspace is in the historic washroom in the basement of the 1911 Eschweiler-designed Tudor-style mansion. The program is open to most visual media. Across the street is Saint John’s On The Lake, a retirement community with views of Lake Michigan where the artist will live during the residency.
Artist accommodations are located at Saint John’s On The Lake (SJOTL), a retirement community and nonprofit organization across Prospect Avenue from the Allis. Their mission is to enrich the lives of older adults in their retirement through cultural, spiritual, and educational opportunities. In the early 1970s, the first of eventually 3 apartment condominium buildings was erected on the Prospect Avenue land. The Charles Allis Art Museum is thrilled to partner with SJOTL to provide a furnished apartment located in the original central tower building.
1801 N Prospect Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
United States
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
Application Timeframe
- Submissions open: October 30, 2026
- Applications due: November 22, 2026
- Application review period: November 23 - December 4, 2026
- Artists notified by: December 11, 2026
- Public announcement: January 20, 2027
Residency Timeframe
- Orientation at The Allis and Saint John’s On The Lake: January
- Art creation, studio tours, collection research: January - May
- Exhibition opening: Thursday, June 24, 2027
- Tours, programming, workshops: June-September
- Exhibition closing: Sunday, September 26, 2027
- Studio Closing/Reflections/Moveout: October
Application Requirements
The aim for the Artist in this collaboration is to create an exhibition that demonstrates their practice(s) and deeper creative process. We are currently accepting proposals for work in sculpture and three-dimensional work, painting and drawing, fiber and textile arts, mixed media, digital and new media. Performance and interdisciplinary artists are considered on a case-by-case basis. Couples or artist groups/cohorts can not be accommodated at this time.
Review application instructions and residency expectations. Submit a single PDF file with the following information to residency@cavtmuseums.org:
- CV/Resume
- Artist Statement (max 1 page)
- Statement of interest (max 500 words)
- Workshop or community engagement proposal (max 1 page)
- Website and/or social media handles
- Examples of work within the last 5 years
- Up to 10 images
- Up to 10 minutes of video content
- 3 references
Artist in Residence program includes
- Travel stipend up to $400
- $1,800 Artist stipend paid in 2 installments
- Furnished studio apartment with private bathroom at SJOTL
- Access to amenities including gym, library, and pool at SJOTL
- Meals at the SJOTL dining facility included, provided the Artist dines with residents 3 or more times a week.
- Access to Allis creative materials, as available
- Access to Allis gallery spaces after hours
- Exhibition in the Historic House gallery spaces (Basement, 1st floor, 2nd floor)
- Staff support for programming, curation, installation, and collection research
- Time to engage with diverse groups in the Museum space
- Workshop development with Museum staff
- Professional documentation of exhibition artwork and studio space
Artist Expectations
- Able and willing to relocate to Milwaukee, WI for the duration of the residency.
- Available for regular check-ins with the Allis staff.
- Engages with SJOTL residents and Allis guests as time allows.
- Completes proposed artwork and communicates timeline updates.
- Develop and facilitate public programs, including workshops and artist talks.
- Do not bring prohibited items into the Allis or SJOTL.
- Do not bring unauthorized individuals into the Allis or SJOTL.
Accessibility
Working Conditions & Accessibility:
- Flexible working hours with consideration for public hours and events
- Studio access requires a minimum of 2 stairs
- Work can be done seated or standing
- Due to the nature of our historic space, our AiR program is not fully accessible.
- For more details on accessibility in our space, please reach out to residency@cavtmuseums.org
The Charles Allis Art Museum studio space is in the basement, which has elevator access. There are two steps just outside of the elevator that must be crossed in order to access the studio. The studio has a large work table and the historic heating, vacuum, and water filtration elements of the home. The space can get crowded depending on the art practice.
Boiler room, server room, and collection storage spaces are not accessible cesible unless you're with Charles Allis Art Museum staff.
Housing & Accomodation
Saint Johns On The Lake has many communal spaces, including a satellite gallery curated by the Museum of Wisconsin Art (West Bend), gym, dining hall, chapel, and pool. The Charles Allis Art Museum's Great Hall is also a communal space when not in use for events, programming, or rentals.
Studio & Facilities
The studio is in the historic washroom of the Charles Allis Art Museum at the bottom of the staff staircase in the basement. The room has 3 large sinks, a large adjustable table worktable, and nearby supply storage. 2 large windows allow in natural light and a garden level view of the main entrance. The orginal hot water heater, central vacuum system, and incinerator are in the main studio space. In the back drying room is the original water filtration system. The original features are no longer in use except for the sinks.
Private parking with 24/7 security camera recording is available.