Welcome to
Kin Ship
A not-for-profit gallery, studio, and residency series holistically hosting artists, activists, tinkerers, and troublemakers. We are community-centered and intent on rural resiliency for the future.
Why this place?
Kin Ship is located on Anishinaabe traditional territory, specifically Ojibwa (Chippewa) lands. Situated in the heart of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, surrounded by Lake Superior, the building that provides a home to Kin Ship is located within a National Historic Park on the main street of the Village of Calumet. It is set amongst uniquely historic buildings, with close access to incredible Northwoods wildernesses and freshwater coastlines that provide abundant opportunities for artistic and environmental exploration. Today, Calumet is a small, vibrant community of approximately 650 people that has endured the departure of a prosperous copper mining industry over 50 years ago. Since that time is has slowly reinvented itself as a destination for artists, adventurers, and entrepreneurs.
What has happened so far?
From late 2017 to 2022 Kin Ship operated under the working title “Do Work Make Good,” hosting a small number of close friends and acquaintances to exhibit work, perform music, and present projects while exploring the wider Keweenaw landscape. Intentions were set with the following outline, written in early 2018:
“Departing from the standard gallery model, Do Work Make Good rejects monetary profit, instead asking artists to champion causes that inform and inspire their practices, focusing on environmental and social justice issues. Exhibiting artists choose non-profit organizations to benefit from works sold and donations received. The gallery donates the space and hosts the artists while they are in the area.”
September 14–October 20, 2019
May 4–June 1, 2018
August 1–September 1, 2018
In 2020, the building, along with three other downtown façade projects, received a Community Development Block Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This was supported by the Village of Calumet Downtown Development Authority, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, and the Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region. With this support and matching funds, the façade of the building was significantly improved to both better reflect the historic nature of the building (originally constructed in 1884) and provide needed improvements to secure the structure’s future use.
What is next?
Moving through 2024 various interior renovations and improvements are planned, along with continued exterior work on other aspects of the building. As the space strengthens its ability to host and provide a platform for artists from all backgrounds, Kin Ship will continue to evolve based on the experiences of its residents and visitors. We thank you for your patience as we slowly and thoughtfully reconnect with the community through the first half of 2024.