Artist in Residence Application Information
Jordan River Arts Council (JRAC)
301 Main St, East Jordan, MI 49727
Studio Space Provided
Jordan River Arts Council building (301 Main St, East Jordan MI) provides a full working studio space for resident artists. Amenities include heat, air conditioning, bathroom, refrigerator, running water and ample tables. Studio space on rare occasions may be shared with other working artists. Space is 25’ x 30’. Not handicapped accessible, unfortunately.
Who May Apply
Residencies are considered in the disciplines of visual art, photography and fiber arts. Each residency is a one-person opportunity of two weeks in duration. Artists who are selected are expected to commit to the full 14-day residency. Residencies are available to solo practitioners who are able to work independently. Residency proposals submitted by groups or collaborative teams of artists (more than one person) are not considered. Spouses and or a significant other may join selected residents.
Artists who are chosen are expected to give a presentation to the community at the end of the residency. Artists are also required to donate one piece of work inspired by their residency through the Arts Council. Art donations must be delivered within one year of the residency. Donated work will be added to the Jordan River Arts Council collection. Works in the collection become the property of the Jordan River Arts Council. In the event that Jordan River Arts Center decides to de-accession a work to contain the size of the permanent collection, Jordan River Arts Center reserves the right to auction/sell such work to generate funds to directly support the center.
Transportation
Artist-residents will need a vehicle to get access to the local desirable sites. The closest airports are in Traverse City (1 hour) or Pellston (2 hours) Michigan.
How to Apply
Complete the online application form on our website (link located above). Email or mailed applications are not accepted.
Preparation for the online application:
● Have a brief resume ready to upload as a PDF file (1MB maximum file size).
● What are your goals for the residency? (150 words or less)
● How do you plan to accomplish your residency goals? (150 words or less)
● Describe what you envision your presentation to the community encompassing. (150 words or less)
● Five images of your work ready to upload in JPG, GIF, or PNG (2MB maximum file size per image).
● Artists who have websites are encouraged to submit their URL address.
● Check your calendar for preferred residency dates.
● A nonrefundable $35 application fee will need to be paid at “checkout” to complete the application. The only fee connected with this residency is a non-refundable $35 application fee.
Please call the Jordan River Arts Center Artist in Residence Liaison with any questions: Pat Tinney: 231-675-2696
Artist in Residence
East Jordan, located in beautiful Northern Michigan, is the perfect location for visual artists to experiment, explore and create. This community abounds with many local artists and a thriving arts council, Jordan River Arts Council (JRAC). The residence program offered by JRAC is a unique two week opportunity with housing provided free of charge and a large off-site studio space.
Within one year artists are expected to create and donate a single piece of work inspired by their residency. This will be added to the JRAC permanent collection. Artists must also present a review of their experience and work produced. Four residencies are currently being offered, June thru September of 2026. The only fee is a $35 non-refundable application fee. The experience also provides a welcome meal and guided tour of the many surrounding vistas and an available JRAC contact liaison for the entire stay.
Deadline for 2026 application submission: Midnight, March 31, 2026
Artists will have a two week opportunity to explore their creativity, inspired by the quaint town of East Jordan surrounded by nature at every turn with the support of the Arts Council. The community is located on the shores of the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix and the Jordan River estuary. The estuary is highlighted by a lovely board walk, eagle and osprey nests, herons and water fowl of all types. Nearby hiking paths provide access to river views. Kayak rentals are available nearby. Lake Charlevoix is a popular boating destination for sailing and power boating, and historic buildings abound, from quaint cottages and boat houses to the downtown business district.
Prospectus
The Jordan River Arts Council is offering four opportunities for artist residencies this year. The purpose of the residency program is to provide visiting artists with a respite from daily responsibilities to enable them to focus and concentrate on their own personal work and exploration.
Housing Provided
Housing is provided free of charge. There are two locations and four dates to select from. A studio space is provided at the Jordan River Arts Council building located on 301 Main Street.
Housing #1:
Date A: June 1st-15th, 2026 (studio apartment on meandering creek)
Date B: August 24th-September 7th, 2026 (studio apartment on meandering creek)
Housing for dates A and B is a studio apartment in East Jordan is attached to a one hundred year old family farm house on three lovely acres with a picturesque meandering creek and massive willows. The apartment has a private entrance, full bath, kitchenette, king bed, (linens and towels available), television, heat, air conditioning and wifi. Check in is 2:00 and check out on the final day is 11:00. Note there are three friendly dogs that roam the fenced in property from time to time. Pets are not allowed. The apartment is “smoke free.” Residents are prohibited from using art materials/painting in the apartment. Studio space is provided just two miles away at the Jordan River Arts Council building located on 301 Main Street. Not handicapped accessible, unfortunately.
Housing #2:
Date C: June 1st-15th, 2026 (campground cabin on lakeshore)
Date D: September 7th-21st, 2026. (campground cabin on lakeshore)
A small, charming cabin with a lovely porch overlooking the shoreline of Lake Charlevoix. The cabin is located in the midst of the Tourist Park Campground. Amenities include water and electricity, galley kitchen with coffee pot, a few dishes, microwave, and a small refrigerator with a very small freezer. There is a living room, bedroom with a double bed (linens must be provided by the artist). Half bath is in the cabin with a separate shared and keyed shower facility just two buildings away. Air conditioning, heat, internet and television are provided. Pets are not allowed. The cabin is “smoke free”. Residents are prohibited from using art materials/painting in the cabin. Not handicapped accessible, unfortunately.
A studio space is provided at the Jordan River Arts Council building located on 301 Main Street (1 mile away.) Website: touristparkeastjordancity.org
