Almost every artist in the world dreams about leaving the busy city behind for a forest hut far away from the world. Well, now you could win a chance to be paid to go create art alone in a hut at the end of the world. That’s right!
Create Art In A Natural Habitat
Are you already dreaming of a fantastic artist retreat away from the world? Well, wait until you discover the details! The cabin is located on beautiful Lake Superior in Michigan, just a few miles from the Keweenaw Peninsula. Situated on Rabbit Island, this cabin is the perfect place for an artist to awaken the inspiration within themselves. And nearly anyone can become part of the island’s annual artist residency program, which allows the winner to live on the remote 91-acre island alone!
The winner of the residency from the Rabbit Island Foundation will stay on the island for three weeks in the summertime and earn a $3,200 payment for doing so. Past participants have used the money to do everything from cover travel expenses to pick up tons of art supplies before heading to the island. But that’s just where the fun begins…
Living On The Remote Island
While all artists are welcome to apply to the Rabbit Island residency, those applying should know: you’re living in the outdoors! “Residents are expected to be highly motivated, independent, and capable of managing their own schedule in a remote environment,” the webpage reads. Unfortunately, the island is not suitable for people with mobility issues. For those interested, temperatures can range anywhere from 40° to 90° F, and wind and storms are not uncommon.
Also, while the artist will work on the island alone, that doesn’t mean they will be without friends! Bald eagles, indigenous reptiles, nesting birds, and salamanders all live on the island. Thankfully, however, the Rabbit Island Foundation assures applicants there are no predators on the island. Still, “by living and working on Rabbit Island residents engage directly with the landscape and respond to notions of conservation, ecology, sustainability, and resilience,” the official website states.
Get Paid To Be Inspired
As for the accommodations, the Rabbit Island Foundation has set up beautiful wooden huts, as well as an area for tens and even camping gear to borrow. Island visitors can also enjoy a cozy wood-fired sauna, internet access, use the hardline phone, read countless books from the books, and, of course, create art in one of the studios.
Every resident will document and share their experience after the stay, which will then be published on social media by the Rabbit Island Foundation. The foundation is looking for “visual artists of all disciplines, as well as writers, poets, architects, designers, musicians, filmmakers, composers, and choreographers.” Participants should be 21 and older. Sadly, partners cannot accompany artists on the trip. However, in addition to individual artists applying, collaborative groups can also try their luck in the 2021 program.
Want to apply? Head to the official website and do so by March 14, 2021. There’s an entry fee of $20 – good luck!
Sources: Good News Network, Rabbit Island Foundation.