Mackinac Island Artist-in-Residence Program

**The link to apply is below. Please read all of the following information first before applying.**

Program Description

The Mackinac State Historic Parks Artist-In-Residence Program is designed to promote and encourage the creation of artistic works inspired by the history, natural wonders, and beauty of Mackinac Island. The residencies are available to artists in all mediums, including writers, composers, sculptures, and visual artists including photographers, among others.

Applications are now being accepted for 2025! The 2-week residencies are available beginning in early June and continuing through early October.

2025 Artist-in-Residence Schedule: 

June 3 – June 15, program June 11
June 17 – June 29, program June 25
July 1 – July 13, program July 9 
July 15 – July 27, program July 23
July 29 – August 10, program August 6
August 12 – August 24, program August 20
August 26 – September 7, program September 3
September 9 – September 21, program September 17
September 23 – October 5, program October 1

2024 Artist-in-Residence Schedule: 

June 4 – June 16 – Jillian Blackwell, Fiber Arts, workshop June 12
June 18 – June 30 – Carrie Pierce, Musician, workshop June 26
July 2 – July 14 – Susan Byrnes, Sculptor, workshop July 10
July 16 – July 28 – Kyle Huntoon, Woodwork, workshop July 24
July 30 – August 11 – Theodore Van Last, Writer, workshop August 7
August 13 – August 25 – David Mills, Photographer, workshop August 21
August 27 – September 8 – Jane Kendra, Painter, workshop September 4
September 10 – September 22 – Sarah Langdon, Dancer, workshop September 18
September 24 – October 6 – Mary Jo Karimnia, Painter, workshop October 2

The Residence

The resident artist is housed in the newly-remodeled second floor of the Mackinac Island Visitor’s Center, formerly the 1915 Mackinac Island Coast Guard Station. The residence, which overlooks the Straits of Mackinac, includes a studio apartment with one full size bed with bedding and towels provided, private bath and shower, kitchen with stove, sink, and full-size refrigerator, washer and dryer, WIFI, and basic kitchen and cleaning supplies. This is a historic building and the second floor is only accessible by stairway. This is a non-smoking facility and no pets are allowed. The residence is provided solely for the artist, and no guests are permitted without permission from MSHP. The residence is provided rent free.

The Station 256 Conference Room, which is immediately adjacent to the residence, is available by appointment for the artist when not in use by park. The artist also has access, with previous arrangement, to the work space in the lower level of The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum for project work and/or workshops.

Expectations

The artist is asked to provide one public presentation (workshop, lecture, reading, demonstration, etc.) during the residency. The presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the artist’s residency. There are multiple options for the location of the presentation and a final decision will be made after the artist is selected. The artist will also contribute one piece of their work to Mackinac State Historic Parks within 12 months of the end of the residency.

The artist is responsible for transportation to and from and while on Mackinac Island as well as all personal equipment, supplies, and food. The resident can call for a dray or taxi (906-847-3323) on Mackinac Island to help transport their own supplies; this service will not be provided by Mackinac State Historic Parks. There is a grocery store located across the street. Check-in is on Tuesday between 3 and 5 pm, and a representative from Mackinac State Historic Parks will meet you at the residence; check out is on Sunday by 12 noon. No housekeeping is provided during the residency and artist is responsible for leaving the residence clean and in good order.

Application Process

Click here to apply for a 2025 residency.

Applications will only be accepted electronically. There is a $25 application fee, and applications will not be considered complete until the fee is received. The deadline to receive applications is January 10, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. EST. All application fees must be received by this date. As part of the application process, artists can send supporting material with their applications – these items must be received by 5:00 p.m. EST on January 10. An option to pay online is available while filling out the application. If you’d like to send a check, please use the address below.

Questions or comments on submitting your application can be sent to mackinacparks@michigan.gov.

Notification of acceptance will be by February 21, 2025.

If paying by check or money order, please send the application fee to:

Mackinac State Historic Parks
Attn: Artist-in-Residence Program
P.O. Box 873
Mackinaw City, MI 49701

Selection Process

A jury of representatives from Mackinac State Historic Parks, the Mackinac Island Arts Council, and the Mackinac Island Community Foundation will select from the pool of applicants. Selections will be made solely on the basis of merit and how their work can advance the program’s goal of encouraging the creation of artistic works inspired by the history, natural wonders, and beauty of Mackinac Island.

2025 Artist-in-Residence Schedule: 

June 3 – June 15, program June 11
June 17 – June 29, program June 25
July 1 – July 13, program July 9 
July 15 – July 27, program July 23
July 29 – August 10, program August 6
August 12 – August 24, program August 20
August 26 – September 7, program September 3
September 9 – September 21, program September 17
September 23 – October 5, program October 1

Artists-in-Residence for the 2024 season: 

June 4 – June 16 – Jillian Blackwell, Fiber Arts, workshop June 12
June 18 – June 30 – Carrie Pierce, Musician, workshop June 26
July 2 – July 14 – Susan Byrnes, Sculptor, workshop July 10
July 16 – July 28 – Kyle Huntoon, Woodwork, workshop July 24
July 30 – August 11 – Theodore Van Last, Writer, workshop August 7
August 13 – August 25 – David Mills, Photographer, workshop August 21
August 27 – September 8 – Jane Kendra, Painter, workshop September 4
September 10 – September 22 – Sarah Langdon, Dancer, workshop September 18
September 24 – October 6 – Mary Jo Karimnia, Painter, workshop October 2