Mackinac Island has long been an inspiration for artists. Mackinac State Historic Parks is providing an opportunity to let it inspire you.

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 of all mediums, including, but not limited to, writers, composers, sculptors, and visual artists including photographers. 

The two-week residencies are available beginning in early June and continuing through early October.

“We were so pleased to have completed the sixth year of the program in 2024 and look forward to 2025,” said Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Steve Brisson. “It was inspiring to witness how Mackinac sparked the creativity of the various artists these last six years.”

The resident artist is housed in the remodeled second floor of the Mackinac Island State Park 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. It is an historic building, and the second floor is only accessible by stairway. The residence is provided rent-free to the selected artist. 

The Station 256 Conference Room is a large adjoining work/gathering space that is available by appointment for the artist when not in use by park. The artist also has access, with previous arrangement, to the workspace in the lower level of The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum for project work and/or workshops. 

The artist is asked to provide a public presentation (workshop, lecture, reading, demonstration, etc.) on the second Wednesday of their residency and contribute one piece of their work to Mackinac State Historic Parks within 12 months of their residency. The artist is responsible for transportation to, from, and while on Mackinac Island and is responsible for all personal equipment, supplies, and food.

A jury of representatives from the Mackinac community 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.

Further information, such as the application and schedule, can be found here. Deadlines for applications is January 10, 2025. A downloadable version of this release can be found here. Additional photos are available by request.