DJC ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
What is the DJC Artist in Residence Program?
It’s a year-long opportunity for two Michigan-based artists to create work that pushes our understanding of what safety, freedom, and community care could look like beyond policing and incarceration. The residency includes funding, connection with DJC staff, community engagement opportunities, and support for the artist’s creative process.
One of the two selected artists will be a person who has experienced incarceration
Who can apply?
Artists must:
● Live in Michigan (any county, including the UP)
● Be 18 or older
● Be able to participate in virtual or in-person meetings with DJC
● Work in any artistic medium
You do not need a college degree, an arts resume, or exhibition history
Formerly incarcerated artists are strongly encouraged to apply
Do I have to identify as an abolitionist?
No.
You do not need to use that language, and you don’t need to be part of any movement or organization
We’re interested in artists who are imagining, dreaming toward, or wrestling with what safety and community could look like without cages, punishment, or policing
If your work engages that terrain, you’re in the right place.
What kind of art can I submit?
Any medium is welcome: writing, visual art, performance, installation, music, film, textiles, digital, craft, or mixed forms.
You can submit:
● Written proposals
● Audio recordings
● Video explanations
● Low-resolution images
● Phone documentation
We believe in accessibility You do not need professional equipment
Do I need to have a complete project idea before applying?
No.
You can come in with:
● A fully formed proposal
● A starting point
● A question
● A direction you want to explore
Your application should show us what you care about and how your artistic voice holds the future you’re imagining.
What is the main question I need to respond to?
We’re asking artists to grapple with:
“What does a world without police and incarceration look and feel like?”
Your proposal doesn’t need to answer this perfectly We’re more interested in your thinking, your voice, your angle, and the possibilities you’re reaching toward.
Are people currently on parole or probation allowed to apply?
Yes as long as your supervision conditions allow you to participate in residency activities
If you’re unsure, you can reach out to us privately to talk through what participation might look like.
We are building this residency with real life in mind.
Selected artists will receive:
● Transportation support
● A housing plan or stipend
● Meal support
● Additional basic-needs assistance
If applying feels overwhelming, we offer help
Is the application accessible for people with limited internet or tech experience?
Yes. We designed it that way.
You can apply from a phone.
You can upload audio or video instead of writing.
We provide:
● A video walkthrough of the application
● A plain-language explanation of the scoring rubric
● Optional office hours for application help
Partners across Michigan can also support applicants who need a device or internet access.
Can I get help with my application?
Yes
DJC will offer:
● Virtual office hours
● Email support
● Phone support
● Guidance videos
● A plain-language FAQ inside the application itself
We want artists to feel confident, not confused
How many artists will be selected?
Two artists each year
One spot is reserved for a formerly incarcerated artist.
What do residents receive?
Each artist receives:
● Residency stipend/funding
● Support from DJC staff
● Opportunities to engage community members
● A platform to share work
● Resources to stabilize your participation (housing, transit, meals, accessibility needs)
Exact amounts and logistics will be shared on the application page.
Do residents have to produce a final artwork?
We expect a body of work, project, or public engagement experience but the form is up to you.
Your process matters. Your evolution matters
This isn’t an assembly line.
How are applications reviewed?
A panel of 3–5 artists and justice-impacted leaders (including formerly incarcerated people) will score each application using a plain-language rubric.
Panelists look for:
● Clarity of your artistic vision
● Connection to the residency question
● Thoughtfulness of your proposal
● Feasibility within the residency timeline
● Creative voice, imagination, and perspective
This is not a competition around polish or credentials.
Will my application or personal information be kept private?
Yes
Your information is shared only with DJC staff and panelists. We do not publish personal histories or anything you don’t want shared publicly
If I’ve never applied to a residency before, is this for me?
Absolutely.
This residency was built with you in mind especially artists who haven’t always been welcomed or supported in traditional arts spaces.
Can I apply if I’ve been rejected before?
Yes
Every cycle is different, and you’re encouraged to try again.
When are applications due?
February 15, 2026
How do I apply?
Submit your materials through Slideroom at:
https://djc slideroom com/#/permalink/program/87314/AbS07fYVlk
Are there any other ways to get assistance with the application?
Yes! There will be a Q & A on January 21, 2026 at 6:30-7:30PM And virtual office hours:
Every Mon 6 pm- 7 pm EST from Jan. 12 to Feb. 9
(except for MLK Day: Jan. 19)
Every Weds 12-1 pm EST between Jan. 7 and Feb. 11
Who can I contact with questions?
Email: media@detroitjustice.org
We will respond as quickly as possible