The Popps Packing residency program was born in 2012 and has grown into a robust international AIR that has welcomed over 100 artists into their unique arts and community ecosystem. Popps Packing is a 4,500 Sq/ft former meat packing plant on the Hamtramck/Detroit border, a densely populated, diverse, working class community. It is an intimate familial environment dedicated to providing space and time for artists to create new work, research and build connections. The program is for emerging, mid-career, and established visual artists with a studio based practice who are interested in an immersive experience in Detroit and Hamtramck.

Their mission is to create impactful arts programming and foster cultural exchange between local and international artist communities, while leveraging the unique features of the region, neighborhood, and personal practices. Their programs include a robust residency program that welcomes national and international artists into the community, seasonal exhibitions, workshops, artist talks and community events.

Popps Packing invites serious studio artists to apply for a 1 -3 month long studio residency available for the Summer/Fall 2024 (July-November) and ongoing.
Popps Packing offers residencies for emerging, mid-career, and established, visual artists interested in an immersive experience within the cities of Hamtramck and Detroit, Michigan. Artists working in all studio based practices are welcome to apply, but their resources and spaces best accommodate sculptors, installation artists, architectural and landscape-based projects as well as photo, film and research projects. Popps Packing accommodates 2 artists at one time.

*Please note that Popps Packing is an inclusive space for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity in its programs and activities.

Popps Packing is an active space. It is not a retreat (although it may feel like one at times). It is, at its core a communal and familial environment that fosters a sense of community among resident artists and neighbors. Popps Packing hosts community events, exhibitions, dinners and informal gatherings and volunteer opportunities, providing visiting artists with many opportunities to connect to our large network of local artists, resources, organizational and institutional partners and neighbors. We prioritize clear communication and will inform resident artists in advance of these events.

*Note: A permanent resident artist resides on the premises in a separate apartment above the residency spaces and studios and has regular access to laundry facilities, shop and the yard. The founding resident artists, Graem Whyte and Faina Lerman and their two children, live across the street and have their studio and workshop spaces within the same building as well and will have regular access to the space.

Additionally, the Popps Packing building is an old warehouse, and as such, continuous maintenance and upkeep are performed throughout the year.