Union Hall Arts Residency

Welcome artists and union members! This summer, the UNITE HERE Education and Support Fund (UHESF) is teaming up with Talking Dolls Studio to pilot a Detroit-based art residency for 4-6 emerging artists who are rank-and-file union members. This pilot prioritizes non-professional artists and is also open to professional artists or other cultural workers who can demonstrate an interest or intention for creative practice beyond the scope of their primary employment.

This is a paid residency to provide union members financial support to take a four-week leave of absence from work to concentrate on their creative practice. Artists of all stripes – visual artists, filmmakers, designers, musicians, poets, performers and more – are encouraged to apply.

As part of this application, applicants must submit a personal video or written statement, plus ten images (or examples) of their work. Applicants must also have a statement of support from their sponsoring union.

The deadline to submit is May 15, 2026.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred pronouns*
Cell Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Opt In
Email*
example@example.com
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Employer*
Title*
Years of Service*
Union affiliation and Local number*
What type of art do you make? Please choose one category that best describes your practice*
If you selected other, please describe your type of art here.*

Application Materials
This residency offers union members four weeks to focus on making art, connecting with other artists, and exploring ways to use their creativity to inspire and unite working people. Please share with us a bit about yourself and why you are applying for this residency. What do you hope to use this time to explore? If your artistic passions have a connection to labor or unions please describe.
Written Statement*
(500 words or 3 min video - upload file below)
Video File Upload (1GB max file)

Cancelof
File upload: 10 examples of your work. Reviewers will review up to 15 minutes of time-based work (video, audio files, etc.). For written work, reviewers will review up to 20 pages. (1 GB max file size)*

(visual art/photos, writing samples, video/film clips, audio files, etc.)
Cancelof
(Optional) If you have additional links to your work that you would like to share, please list them below.
Nomination form from sponsoring union (upload file below) *

Cancelof
Name of sponsoring union: *
Name of contact at sponsoring union:*

First NameLast Name
Phone number of contact at sponsoring union*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email of contact at sponsoring union*
example@example.com
Do you require any special accommodations to participate in this residency? NOTE: The residency space is wheelchair accessible. The space does not require masks. Childcare is not included, and the residency space is not safe for children at this time. *
Please let us know if you have specific access needs, and we will do our best to accommodate.
I understand this is a full-time, in-person commitment, requiring a leave of absence from work for the duration of the residency.If accepted, I will partner with my union representatives to get released from work for the duration of this residency in accordance with my union leave protocols.I commit to participating in all aspects of the program to invest in my craft and creativity, including daily studio time in Detroit, workshops, field trips, and other activities.I will adhere to a code of conduct that is consistent with our union values of solidarity.
Should be Empty:

Application Materials