For centuries artists have interpreted the natural beauty of America’s wild and remote places, and creative folks are encouraged to continue that tradition through more than 50 National Park Service Artist-in-Residence programs.

Michigan has a variety of opportunities for artists-in-residence, at national parks and Mackinac State Historic Park on Mackinac Island;  Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Western Upper Peninsula; and the private program at remote, undeveloped Rabbit Island in Lake Superior.

These are for the writers, musicians and visual artists who long to escape to the wilderness, where the surroundings inspire creativity and there’s little to distract them from their work. 

Artists-in-residence are selected through an application process unique to each park, and specifics vary as to genre accepted, length of stay, type of accommodations, and expectations. Requirements may include that the artist present a public program and donate one work created during the residency. 

Deadlines have passed for some residencies; others are not offered for 2025 (at this time).

Check out details for those still accepting applications for 2025 by clicking the location:

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – February 14 deadline

Rabbit Island – February 28 deadline

Monitor these websites for updated info and plan ahead for 2026:

Keweenaw National Historical Park – The park had a Commissioned Artist program in 2024, but at this time it is not offered for 2025.

Mackinac State Historic Parks – January 10 deadline

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Info not currently available; previously, the application deadline was December 31.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore  – Residencies are currently not offered. From the NPS website:
“Sleeping Bear Dunes recognizes the importance of art is the park’s history and culture. However, the Lakeshore is taking an indefinite pause in the Artist-in-Residence program. This decision was made due to changes in staffing.”