Artworks artist-in-residence is an 8-week summer opportunity for visual artists who are enrolled in accredited Michigan degree-granting undergraduate or graduate programs. The artist-in-residence is an onsite immersion program to learn about the business of retail art, gallery stewardship, community arts education, and outreach.

Artists will have access to studio space, resources, and onsite support for furthering their creative talent. The artist will receive a $2,000 stipend to be used as they/she/he chooses. At the end of the eight weeks, they will be honored with a gallery exhibit of their work in the Alley Gallery. Much of their work will be available for sale with 75% of the proceeds going directly to the artist and the remaining 25% being allocated to Artworks’ artist-in-residence scholarship. The artist will also be an honored guest at the annual gala.

Individuals and/or organizations interested in providing financial support for the artist-in-residence scholarship can contact Artworks’ executive director at ric@artworksinbigrapids.org

"This program is a great opportunity for artists to not have to worry about what sells or what will get you a good grade but rather what you want to create or experiment with without external expectations.” Gemma Kailing; 2022 Artist in Residence

Application Process

Applications accepted beginning in January of each year, with the recipient being notified by the first of March. There is no application fee.

Applications must include:

• a one-page letter of interest

• a one-page letter of support from an artist who holds a graduate degree in the discipline of the applying artist

• proof of the artist's enrollment in an accredited, degree-granting institution of higher education located in Michigan

• a concise, but comprehensive portfolio of the artist's work, preferably in an online format

Examples of success:

Visual artists: 6-8 pieces of visual art, each with a brief description of approach and media used. The artist is not expected to interpret the art for the viewer, but may provide statements that inspired the work.

The artist's works will be supported and guided by other established artists, familiar with the artist's chosen genre.

Interdisciplinary arts will be considered. For example, poetry/prose aligned with visual or musical arts.

Submit application packet to artworks@artworksinbigrapids.org