THE POP-UP WAS EPIC 🎉 + a $20K deadline TOMORROW + happy 4th!
I know, I know — it's the holiday weekend and you have approximately one million things going on. But I need you to read this because (a) THE POP-UP ART STOP WAS EVERYTHING and I have feelings, (b) th
I know, I know — it's the holiday weekend and you have approximately one million things going on. But I need you to read this because (a) THE POP-UP ART STOP WAS EVERYTHING and I have feelings, (b) there's a $20,000 deadline TOMORROW and I would feel genuinely terrible if you missed it, and (c) July is already stacked and we need to get you ready!
Hot dog in hand is fine. Let's get it.
[Image: Pop-Up Art Stop, 2026]
THE POP-UP ART STOP WAS EPIC! AND I'M STILL NOT OVER IT
To every artist who displayed work, every performer who took the stage, every vendor, every person who showed up, shared the flyer, or sent a single "come to this" text — THANK YOU. You made something really beautiful happen at Open Book Theatre and this community should be SO proud.
We are just getting started.
(More pics to come! Stay tuned)
DEADLINE TOMORROW: DJC Artist Residency — $20,000
Applications close July 5th (that's TOMORROW, Sunday) for the Detroit Justice Center's 2026–27 Artist Residency. The selected artist receives $20,000 and a full year to complete a project exploring what a world without police and incarceration could look, feel, and move like.
This one was made for this community. Do not let Sunday sneak up on you. Apply here
[Image: Pop-Up Art Stop, 2026]
LINKAGE EVENTS
Coffee & Chat | Every Monday — 9am till whenever No agenda. No pressure. Bedhead and all. Join the Zoom
Music Creation Circle | Monday, July 13 — 3:30–4:30pm Our biweekly music space — all levels, all styles, all welcome. Come with something you're working on, an idea, or just your ears. Something big is building here. Join the Zoom
Creative Writing Circle | Friday, July 17 — 11am–12pm Poetry, memoir, spoken word, whatever you're sitting with. Come share or come listen. All stages welcome. Join the Zoom
[Image: Pop-Up Art Stop, 2026]
OUT IN THE COMMUNITY
Free Grant Workshop — Arts Council of Greater Lansing | Monday, July 6 — 5–6:30pm 311 Abbot Rd., Suite 301, East Lansing. Taylor Haslett (Membership & Program Manager) is walking folks through the Artists in the Community and Young Creatives grant applications — both due August 1st. Free to attend, email Taylor at taylor@lansingarts.org to join. Grant application info
Be Well Poetry Workshop | Saturday, July 11 — 2–4pm Stamps Gallery, 201 S Division St, Ann Arbor. An interactive poetry workshop inspired by the exhibition Marianetta Porter: Breath, Fragment, Return, facilitated by guest poet Chris Crowder with an open mic. No experience required. Free and open to the public — but space is limited, so register ahead. Register here
Neighborhood Business Lab | Monday, July 13 — 2–5pm Eastside Community Network, 4401 Conner St, Detroit. ProsperUs Detroit is offering free, personalized business guidance — whether you're just getting started or looking to grow. No sign-up needed, just stop by.
Crafting An Artist Statement Workshop | Sunday, July 19 — 2:30–4:30pm The LOVE Building, Detroit. Free. All ages. Free parking. Led by Creative Capital Awardee Cézanne Charles, this workshop goes beyond the basics — helping you articulate not just what you create but the values, questions, and communities that inform your work. Whether you're writing your first statement or revising an old one, you'll leave with tools and language that actually feel like you. Part of the Detroit Lit Summer Writers' Institute. Register here
Envision 2027 — UM Stamps School of Art & Design | Monday, June 29 — 6–7pm Open to emerging and mid-career Michigan artists (21+, not currently enrolled in a degree program). Finalists exhibit at Stamps Gallery and receive a $2,000 stipend. The winner gets a $5,000 cash prize. This is a big deal and it's made for Michigan artists — which is you. Learn more
Big Mama's Cookout — MI-CEMI Learning Community Gathering | Sunday, August 9 — 12:30–2pm Mama Akua Community House, 2431 Ferry Park St, Detroit. Michigan RoundTable, Detroit Justice Center, Emergent Justice, Friends of Restorative Justice, and MI-CEMI are breaking bread, building community, and talking about healing responses to harm. Come be in the room. RSVP here
Safe & Just 2026 Signature Event | Thursday, September 3 — 6pm An evening of celebration, inspiration, fun, and food. It's FREE — but seats are limited so grab yours now. And yes, I'm going. If you're coming too, let me know and I'll save you a seat. Save your spot
NEED A LINK? Everything in one place — Zoom links, forms, and more: LiNK Hub
Okay. Now go enjoy your weekend, watch some fireworks, eat something delicious — and then... apply for that residency! You deserve good things and sometimes good things have application deadlines.