ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Art rooted in community.

A woman with glasses painting colorful dots on a large sheet of white paper at an outdoor art event, with potted plants and art supplies on the table.

An elderly woman in a blue dress and black glasses is sitting outdoors playing hand drums, with a colorful, patterned drum in front of her. There are other drums nearby, including a black drum and a smaller drum with drumsticks on top. The background features a garden with sunflower plants and greenery, a divided sidewalk, trees, and buildings in an urban setting.

Woman painting blue face paint on a young boy's face outdoors, with two children watching, during a daytime event.

Dwelling Place’s Artist in Residence program brings artists and neighbors together to imagine, create, and grow community through art. Artists live and work in the Heartside neighborhood of Grand Rapids, embedding themselves in the daily rhythm of a place rich with stories, complexity, and possibility.

We believe in the power of art to connect, disrupt, heal, and build. That’s why our residents, staff, and artists collaborate to bring bold, people-centered creativity to life in shared spaces.

About the program

Art sparks connection, belonging, and possibility. At Dwelling Place, we believe that creativity has the power to strengthen communities. Our Artist-in-Residence program provides artists with the time, space, and support to collaborate with residents, share their work, and explore how art can transform everyday spaces into places of meaning.

Exhibitions + Workspace

A place to create and showcase your work.

Access to 1,000 sq ft studio space, for 5.5 months, located in Grand Rapids.

Community Engagement

Support from Dwelling Place’s CB+E department including promotional + marketing material

Opportunities to collaborate with residents and neighbors.

Support + Resources

Access to Dwelling Place galleries, staff, and community partners.

$5,000 Artist honorarium
$1,000 towards project costs

How it works

Dwelling Place’s Community Building & Engagement (CB&E) team partners with a community steering committee to guide the program. Resident voices shape both the selection of artists and the vision for each project, ensuring the work is deeply connected to place.

Artists feel supported, grow in their practice, and build meaningful connections
Residents experience a stronger sense of community and belonging
Neighborhood history and social justice issues are lifted up and shared
New connections form between residents and creative culture
Neighborhood identity is strengthened and celebrated
Residents champion and support the work of artists

Program Outcomes:

Who it’s for

This residency is open to artists of all disciplines who believe in the power of creativity to build stronger, more inclusive communities. We welcome artists who are bold, determined, and collaborative — ready to listen, create, and grow with our residents.