Organizer Information
The Good Hart Artist Residency is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 by Bill and Sue Klco. Based in the remote, naturally stunning village of Good Hart, Michigan, the residency is driven by three core pillars: Art, Place, and Community. Its mission is to nurture artists, writers, and composers from diverse backgrounds by providing them with the solitary time and space needed for creative growth while fostering meaningful connections with the local community. The residency is situated along the "Tunnel of Trees," a scenic heritage route on the shores of Lake Michigan, providing a unique landscape of coastal dunes, wetlands, and forests that serve as a direct inspiration for visiting creators.
Title & Description
2026-2027 Good Hart Artist Residency Program
This open call invites visual artists, writers, and composers to participate in a 10 to 21-day residency in the serene environment of Northern Michigan. The program is designed to provide professional creators with a "solitary experience," typically hosting only one resident at a time to ensure maximum focus and reflection. Beyond independent creative work, the residency emphasizes community engagement; residents collaborate with local nonprofit partners to host workshops, open studios, or presentations. The experience is deeply rooted in the local landscape, encouraging residents to draw inspiration from the natural beauty and environmental character of the region.
Categories
- Visual Arts: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Photography, Mixed Media, New Media, Illustration, Printmaking, Fine Metals/Jewelry.
- Writing/Literature: Poetry, Short Stories, Novels, Essays, Plays, Screenwriting, Creative Nonfiction, Journalism.
- Music/Sound: Music Composition, Sound Art.
- Other: Architecture, Digital Media, Social Practice, Environmentalism/Conservation.
Eligibility
- Global Reach: Open to international and national applicants.
- Career Stage: Open to emerging, mid-career, and established artists. Applicants must be pursuing their art, writing, or composing as a professional career.
- Collaborations: Collaborative pairs are welcome but must each submit an individual application.
- Parent Artists: The residency is inclusive of parent-artists and offers specific financial support for childcare.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Stipend: A $500.00 USD one-time stipend is provided to all selected residents.
- Accommodation: Residents stay in a private, 1,150 sq. ft. contemporary home with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.
- Studio Space: Access to a detached 14x24-foot private studio (available for residencies between May and October).
- Full Room & Board: The kitchen is fully stocked with groceries and basic foods. Additionally, residents enjoy several home-cooked meals provided by local hosts.
- Childcare Grant: A special $1,000 grant is available to one selected parent-artist to assist with childcare costs at their home base during the residency.
- Transportation: The residency arranges transportation to and from the Traverse City (TVC) airport.
Application Fee
$35.00 USD (non-refundable).
Application Requirements
- Resume/CV: Maximum of 3 pages.
- Statement of Intent: 1-2 paragraphs explaining your art, your inspiration, and your specific goals for the residency.
- Community Engagement Proposal: A brief plan (2-3 paragraphs) for a public event, such as a workshop, nature walk, or artist talk.
- Work Samples:
- Visual Artists: 6-9 images including titles, mediums, and dates.
- Writers: 3-5 pages of work-in-progress and up to 5 pages of completed work.
- Composers: 3 digital music samples or links to live performance videos.
- References: Contact information for two professional references (no letters required).
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 January 2026
- Notification Date: 20 March 2026
- Residency Periods: June 2026 through May 2027
Location
Good Hart, Michigan, United States
Additional Details
The residency is highly competitive and values the "solitary" nature of the experience. The facility is ADA-compliant and designed for accessibility. While residents are provided with basic art supplies (mineral spirits, rags, easels), specific, specialized materials must be shipped to the center in advance. Travel costs to Michigan and visa arrangements remain the responsibility of the artist.