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. Mackinac State Historic Parks is pleased to add an additional week to the program, bringing the number of residencies to nine.

“We were so pleased to have completed the fifth year of the program in 2023 and look forward to 2024 and adding an additional week,” said Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Steve Brisson. “It was inspiring to witness how Mackinac sparked the creativity of the various artists these last three years.”

The resident artist is housed in the 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. 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. 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 Mackinac State Historic Parks and the island 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, are available at mackinacparks.com/artist-in-residence. Deadlines for applications is 5:00 p.m. on January 12, 2024. A downloadable version of this release can be found here. Additional photos are available by request.