The Michigan Central Fellows-in-Residence is a program designed to bridge the gap between artistic inquiry, technological advancement, and entrepreneurial innovation. Developed in partnership with Newlab, Henry Ford Health, and funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, this residency will situate artists at the nexus of Detroit’s innovation district, fostering research, exploration, and impact across disciplines.

Overview

Now in its third year, the residency provides an experiential platform for artists, researchers, and makers to explore critical questions, develop transformative projects, and cultivate sustainable practices. Divided into two complementary tracks—Art & Tech and Art & Health—the program will select four (4) exceptional artists for a twelve-week research-based fellowship to explore and develop projects within specific thematic areas.

Each fellow-in-residence will receive:

1. A $30,000 prize to advance their project.
2. Access to state-of-the-art fabrication shops at Newlab Detroit and facilities across Michigan Central and/or Henry Ford Health.
3. Project-aligned research opportunities​.
4. Participation in a public conversation series​.
5. External mentors support selection review​ and ongoing guidance.

Two artists will be selected for each track:

• Track One: Art & Tech is in partnership with Newlab and funded by the Knight Foundation. Fellows-in-residence are often at the edge of technology, data visualization, wearable tech, accessibility, and sustainability. Past Fellows-in-Residence include Ash Arder, Nicolás Kisic-Aguirre, Wes Taylor, Ananda Ray, Simon Anton, Salam Rida, Leith Campbell, Michael Candy, and Kristina Sheufelt.
• Track Two: Art & Health is new for 2026, in partnership with Newlab and Henry Ford Health. Artists embedded across wellness, care, and health tech are encouraged to apply to scale and embed their work across the art and health ecosystem in Detroit and beyond.

Two Sessions will frame selected Fellows' time on-site in Detroit:

• Session One (Fellows 1 and 2): July 6, 2026-September 25, 2026
• Session Two (Fellows 3 and 4): October 5, 2026-December 22, 2026

Through storytelling, documentation, community engagement, learnings will be shared across public programming, exhibitions, and international networks across Michigan Central, Henry Ford Health, and Newlab, and the Knight Foundation. 

Housing and transit are not offered as a part of this residency. Selected Fellows-in-Residence will need to source their own housing and transit while on-site.

A complete list of equipment available to use for Fellows on-site at Newlab Detroit is viewable here.

Who We're Looking For

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts in art, technology, and entrepreneurship. We will select two  Southeast Michigan-based artists to work alongside two national artists. Selection criteria include:

1. Clarity and originality of the project idea.
2. Alignment with residency focus areas and themes.
3. Feasibility of the project within the 12-week residency.
4. Potential for impact and innovation.

Eligibility requirements include:

1. Based in the United States.
2. Eligible to receive taxable income via a SSN, ITIN, or EIN.
3. Applying as a single person/entity—no groups or collaborations accepted.
4. Above the age of 25.

How to Apply

Applications for the Michigan Central Art Residency are now open. Artists, creatives, researchers, and makers across disciplines and geographies are encouraged to apply to one or both tracks.

In an effort to shorten an applicant's time submitting, we have reduced the number of questions and words required from previous years. We encourage applicants to:

1. Spend no more than five hours total on their application: one hour to draft, two hours to edit/receive feedback from colleagues, an hour to select sample work, and an hour to submit their final application.
2. Draft answers in a separate document, such as Google Docs or Word, in case of accidental deletion or if their computer or internet dies unexpectedly.
3. Write to our team (daniel.sharp@michigancentral.com) if any accessibility needs arise.

Section One: Info

• Full Name, Professional/Chosen Name, Pronouns, Email, Address, Phone, Website, Bio and/or link to CV, Social Media Handles
• Track Selection, Session Preference, Current Resident of Southeast Michigan 

Section Two: Questions

• Project Title (10 W)
• One Sentence Description (30 W)
• Two Paragraph Description (300 W): explain your project in your own words. What are its goals? How do you envision engaging with community during this residency? And what are your expected outcomes while on-site?
• One Paragraph Focus Area (150 or 300 W): how does your project connect to and innovate in our residency track? We ask for 150 words if you select one track or 300 words if you selected both.
• One Paragraph Needs (150 W): what equipment and technical assistance will you need during this residency? What has your past experience been in executing similar projects? 
• One Paragraph Budget (200 W): provide a high-level bulleted breakdown of how you intend to allocate the $30,000 award, including stipends, materials, programs, community engagement, etc.

Section Three: Samples

• Materials (4): include up to four additional materials that showcase your past work or support your proposal. Examples include: images, sketches, videos, and audio files of past projects or proposed project.
• Credit Lines (400 W): for each of your samples, write the credit line, including the work's title, medium, dimensions, and year. If applicable, include if it was shown anywhere, the names of collaborators, and a photographer's credit.

Section Four: Confirmations

• If selected and accepted, you'll confirm you can be on-site for the duration of your Session.
• If you used AI during your application, how did you use it? (50 W)
• Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements.

Office Hours

The residency team will host a virtual Open House on April 30th, 2026 from 6:30-8pm to answer additional questions about the residency.

To join, head here: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2808166015446?p=sD0zhNePTtgnEsFnc2 

• Meeting ID: 280 816 601 544 6 
• Passcode: Z6eU3id2 

Or dial in by phone: +1  313-466-2972,,274845687# | Find  a local number | Phone conference ID: 274 845 687#

If You Need Help

The application is available online at https://michigancentral.submittable.com. You will need to set up a free account and login information.

If you have questions regarding Submittable, head here: https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/.

If you have questions that can't be answered via Submittable, reach out to Daniel Sharp at daniel.sharp@michigancentral.com.

AI Policy

Applicants may use AI tools for limited support (e.g., brainstorming or editing for clarity). However, final responses must be written by the applicant and reflect the applicant’s original ideas and voice. AI should not be used to generate an application in full (including the core project concept) or to produce complete responses. Submissions that appear substantially AI-generated, or that do not demonstrate authentic engagement with the prompts, may be subject to additional review. Applicants will be required to disclose AI use in the application form.