While Detroit’s unions have a long history of supporting and lifting up artists and using art to communicate working people’s issues, it has been some time since a concerted effort to support artists has taken place sponsored by our unions. With that in mind, staff and members of AFT Michigan and UNITE HERE have been working on a vision for how labor can once again support the arts — from the visual artists to the performers. As a starting initiative, this summer, we’re teaming up with UNITE HERE and Talking Dolls Studio to pilot a Detroit-based art residency for 4-6 aspiring artists who are rank-and-file union members. This pilot prioritizes non-professional artists but is also open to cultural workers who can demonstrate an interest or intention for creative practice beyond the scope of their primary employment. This pilot requires a four-week union leave of absence to provide union members time to develop their voice and creativity. Stipends will be offered to participants to make that time away from work financially feasible. The residency will build leadership by nurturing the imagination and confidence of rank-and-file members while fostering connections across union affiliation and social difference. There are also spaces for mentors as well. Links for more information:
- Union Hall Arts website: www.UnionHallArts.org
- Union Hall Arts Residency Application: https://unitehere.jotform.com/260826286830058
- Sponsoring Union Nomination Form: https://www.unionhallarts.org/wp-content/uploads/UHAR-Sponsor-Form-Fillable.pdf
- Info Session on May 4 at 2:00pmE (register here).
- Deadline to apply for the residency: May 15, 2026.
If you have questions, feel free to contact AFT MI Field Representative Sonya Alvarado at salvarado@aftmichigan.org for more details, Stay tuned for more exciting art initiatives in the works for Labor Day as well.
AFT Webinar – Medical Debt and Healthcare Affordability: Solutions You Can Use Now
Healthcare costs are hitting too many families hard, and educators are feeling it too. On April 30, from 7PM to 8PM, join Dr. Vin Gupta, AFT President Randi Weingarten, Dr. Monica Soni and an AFT member for an important conversation about medical debt, delayed care and what affordability means for our health and our communities.
You’ll also learn about helpful resources from AFT’s Fight for Affordability campaign and Share My Lesson’s affordability collection.
May Day Detroit – May 1
On May Day, Detroit’s unions and their allies will celebrate International Worker’s Day.
Join the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO on Friday, May 1, at Roosevelt Park in Detroit, at 4pm. Everyone is welcome to this celebration of our history!
Follow this YouTube link for a 2-minute history of this important event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6Dx2WRHvtc
Tell Congress: Pass the Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act!
We’ve always been told that hard work pays off, but right now, too many people are working hard and doing what’s right yet still struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, millionaires and billionaires are getting major tax breaks! This administration promised lower costs, but life’s only gotten harder for working families.
We must do something for workers who are living paycheck to paycheck.
Not everyone is able to take the time to lobby in our nation’s capital, but all of us can take a minute to reach out to lawmakers to support the Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act.
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students, patients and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $1 a week to aid us in this fight? Please visit the AFT Michigan website to contribute and make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
