WOODWORKS ARTIST RESIDENCY

Our Mission

To empower visionary leaders in the arts to create collaborative, bold, purpose-driven work that shapes a stronger, healthier future for the arts through multidisciplinary collaboration, immersive performance events, and art as an expression of compassionate curiosity.

Our Vision

Lead with Compassionate Curiosity

We envision a world where choreographers, dancers, and artists use curiosity as a tool for discovery, breaking conventional boundaries to explore new relationships between movement, sound, and storytelling. By fostering curiosity, we cultivate art that is rooted in empathy and invites audiences and creators alike to question, imagine, and connect in profound ways. This approach moves beyond standard practices to prioritize open-ended exploration and playful innovation.

Strengthen the Future of the Arts

We aim to build a sustainable future for the arts by equipping artists with the skills, resources, and collaborative networks they need to thrive. This future emphasizes mentorship, multidisciplinary engagement, and financial literacy to empower artists as creative leaders.

Nurture Localized Artistic Innovation and Cultural Exchange

We believe in the power of art to strengthen communities by building bridges between artists and local residents. Through workshops, performances, and direct collaboration, we aim to help develop Traverse City into a vibrant hub for artistic innovation and cultural exchange, enriching the lives of all who participate. This vision prioritizes shared growth and mutual inspiration, where art becomes a catalyst for meaningful community connection.

Core Values

Duty to Community

Collaborative Engagement, Local Partnerships, Sustainability and Stewardship, Volunteer and Outreach Opportunities, Donation-based Public Performances

Education and Growth

Artistic Development, Workshops, Apprenticeships, Mentorship Programs, Financial Literacy Coaching, Cross-Disciplinary Learning, Elevating Standards

Compassionate Curiosity

Exploratory Space, Empathy-Driven Work, Process-Focused Approach, Intentional Reflection, Radical Inclusivity, Accessibility