Detroit’s Michigan Central, in partnership with Newlab Detroit and supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, has opened applications for its 2027 Creative Residency Program — an exciting opportunity for artists and creative thinkers to call one of the city’s most storied redevelopment sites home.

The Michigan Central Art x Newlab Detroit Creative Residency Program is designed to bring together innovative creative minds and place them at the heart of Detroit’s ongoing revitalization. Michigan Central, the landmark former train station that has become a symbol of Detroit’s renewal, serves as the backdrop for a residency that blends artistic vision with the spirit of community and innovation that defines the city today.

The program’s support from the Knight Foundation underscores a shared commitment to investing in Detroit’s creative community. The Knight Foundation has long championed arts, journalism, and community engagement across the country, and its backing of this residency signals confidence in Detroit as a destination for bold, imaginative work.

Newlab Detroit, a collaborative technology and innovation hub that has made its home at Michigan Central, brings an added dimension to the residency by connecting creative residents with a broader ecosystem of entrepreneurs, engineers, and problem-solvers. That cross-pollination of ideas is exactly the kind of energy that has made Michigan Central a beacon for Detroit’s future.

For artists and creatives who have dreamed of working in one of America’s most dynamic urban environments, this residency represents a rare and meaningful chance to contribute to — and be inspired by — a city in the midst of a remarkable comeback. Interested applicants are encouraged to explore the program and submit their applications for the 2027 cycle.

Detroit continues to demonstrate that its renaissance is not just about bricks and mortar, but about nurturing the creative voices that give a city its soul.

Sources: Michigan Central