$100K with your name on it — don't sleep 💜
We are IN IT right now — opportunities are flying and things are really starting to move. This week's newsletter has some stuff I don't want you to sleep on, including one that could literally change
It's Satur-YAY, Steven!
We are IN IT right now — opportunities are flying and things are really starting to move. This week's newsletter has some stuff I don't want you to sleep on, including one that could literally change your life. Read all the way through.
All virtual links in one spot, in order. Bookmark this: https://linktr.ee/4linkagemembers (Sign-up should not be required to use. If pop-ups happen, you can click the "X" to bypass)
[Image: Tigers Game, 2024]
Joyce Awards — Artist Self-Nominations Open Now I'm going to say this plainly: this is a $100,000 unrestricted grant for artists in Michigan. No strings. Plus the ability to direct an additional $40,000 to a Great Lakes organization of your choosing (cough Linkage cough). This is REAL money for REAL artists doing REAL community work. The Joyce Foundation and United States Artists want visual artists, performers, musicians, writers, filmmakers, and community-based cultural practitioners. If that's you — and I know it is for most of you — do NOT let May 4th pass you by. Nominate Yourself Here! Due May 4th
LiNK Arts Jam — June 27 · Open Book Theatre, Trenton · 11am–8pm THIS IS GOING TO BE EPIC. We're doing an artist market at Open Book Theatre in Trenton — members can share their crafts, sell their work, perform, and we're doing a BOOK TALK! All art forms welcome. All you have to do is show up, bring your shiz, and be yourself. Save the date and let me know if you want to hold a spot. More details coming but I want to know who's in ASAP! Claim Your Spot! Email Me Today.
Link Arms with Linkage — Our Spring Campaign Is LIVE! The campaign is officially launched and we need YOUR help to make it pop! Watch the videos, "like" and comment on social, subscribe, share it with your people. This is how Linkage grows — together. Donation Link To Share → tinyurl.com/linkarmswithlinkage Linkage Stories Playlist To Watch → tinyurl.com/linkagestories Share the E-Newsletter Sign-Up → tinyurl.com/staylinkedup Want to do a quick video interview about what Linkage has meant to YOU? Text Frannie — she will make it painless, I promise. (248) 917-1730
[Image: Carson City Reentry United, 2026]
Community Creation Circles!
Youth Mentorship & Community Service Circles: Both In-Person! CVI Summit — April 21 & 22 COME SIT WITH LINKAGE! This two-day summit is about reducing violence, promoting healing, and building community — and help Linkage make arts a part of that story. April 21 is focused on Youth (8am–2pm) April 22 is focused on Community (8am–2pm) *Transportation reimbursement isn't available but food IS provided. If getting there is a barrier, hit me up and we'll figure something out. Register Here! There's Still Time!
Writers Workshop — Thursday, April 24 · 11am Biweekly writing session — come talk about writing with us. No experience needed, just show up. Join Zoom
Bi-Weekly Music Meeting — Monday, April 27 · 3:30–4:30pm Music crew check-in. If music is your thing, come connect with us. All genres and experience levels welcome! Join Zoom
Financial Fun #2: Budgeting & Banking Basics — May 1 · 1:30pm Real talk about real money stuff. Part 2 of our financial workshop series — budgeting and banking basics. FREE. Virtual. Just for Linkage. Join Zoom
New Invite: Breaking Chains Mending Minds — Sundays · 1pm We just met the founder, Erin, and he's opened the door for our whole Linkage family to join their FREE weekly online support group — every Sunday at 1pm EST. It's a no-judgment space for returning citizens to process through post-incarceration syndrome together. You will leave knowing you are not alone and have others who are here to walk with you. No recording allowed. Just real people, real talk. You don't need to prepare or share, listening is participation. Join on Google Meet
[Image: Second Look Rally, 2024 (not official Linkage event)]
Opportunities!
Call for Art: Exhibition REBIRTH — Linkage Gallery, Lansing Interested in showing work on the theme of REBIRTH? Let me know how many pieces you'd like to bring. Musician, writer, actor? Let's talk about creative ways to get your work in the gallery too. Text or email me! sunrath@linkagecommunity.org
Program Manager — Youth Arts Unlocked A job opportunity in the arts and youth space just came across my radar and wanted to make sure you saw it. If this is your lane or someone you know, check it out. View Job Posting
Splash of Recovery Art Fair — May 30 · Lansing The Third Annual Splash of Recovery Art Fair is happening at the Allen Neighborhood Center (1611 E Kalamazoo St, Lansing) from 12–4pm. Free to attend. If you want to exhibit, booth registration is $40 (scholarships available, let us know!). This is a beautiful event celebrating artists in recovery — if this is you or someone you know, APPLY! To register a booth: call (517) 977-1772 or email hunter@lifeboatnetworkcenter.org
Saginaw Mural Contest — $500 + Materials Saginaw County is looking for mural artists to commemorate the US 250th anniversary at the county courthouse. Theme: "250 Years of Freedom, Unity and History." Two murals, two prizes — $500 + all materials for first place, $250 + materials for second. Open to all ages and experience levels. Individuals or teams welcome. Submit a sketch, digital image, or written proposal with an artist statement and samples of past work. Due April 27th. Learn More Here
The Mural People — 2026 Open Call (Allen Park + Trenton) Looking for mural artists for two big public art festivals this summer/fall — Paint The Park in Allen Park (Aug 16–23) and Trenton Art Festival (Sept 13–19), plus ongoing commissions throughout the year. If walls are your thing, this one's for you. Apply Here
[Image: ArtPrize - 2024]
MORE on the Calendar
AI Workshop @ SADO Detroit — Mon, April 27 · 6–7:30pm · 3031 W. Grand Blvd, Ste 450, Detroit. Real, practical content about using AI during reentry. Light refreshments. Doors lock at 6pm sharp. RSVP at sado.org/go/ai
Ringing of the Bell @ U of M — May 7 · 12:30–1pm · 1600 Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor. We're celebrating our independence from UM and I want members by our side. Come show up with us. (Text me at 734.649.0508 to let me know you're coming!)
ABW Community BBQ — May 15 · 3–7pm · 2 E Cross St, Ypsilanti. Food, spades, dominoes, good people. Rep Linkage at one of our best friend orgs. (Text me at 734.649.0508 to let me know you're coming!)
Annual Art Workshop — Planning is starting! What do YOU want to try? Music, comedy, clay, theatre — no bad ideas. Share your ideas here
Want to see what's coming this year? View Full 2026 Calendar Here
You all keep showing up and it means everything. If anything in here feels out of reach or you need support navigating it — Frannie and I are one text away. Let's get it! — Sarah