GIG 2026 Coming To You On July 24-25th in Chelsea, MI
A new year full of the visual art of music.
Happy New Year!
GIG 2026 - Mark your calendars for July 24-25th 2026!
We are back, baby! GIG is back!!! The fine people in Chelsea reached out about making GIG the sights to their sounds, so this year our event will be in downtown Chelsea on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25, as part of the city’s beloved Sounds & Sights Festival, presented by Rick Taylor | Reinhart Realtors.
By the way, did the “We Are Back!” make you think of The Hangover?
This year, GIG lands right in the center of the action at the Social Commons in Palmer Commons Park. Expect an electric showcase of the poster designers, concert photographers, album illustrators, and visual storytellers who give Michigan music its look, feel, and attitude. Just like in Spinal Tap, this baby goes all the way up to 11!
Here’s what to expect at GIG:
The GIG Gallery – Explore a dynamic exhibit packed with bold gig posters, stunning concert photography, custom t-shirt designs, and iconic album art. The kicker, it is all made right here in Michigan.
The Music Market – Browse limited-edition prints and handmade merch from creatives and collectors who live for this stuff.
Artist Workshops – Real talk from real artists. Learn how they survive, thrive, and create in a world that too often forgets to pay the creatives at our graphic design and photography panels.
And the best part? GIG charges artists nothing to participate. We take zero commission. That means when you support the art, every dollar goes straight to the creator.
Whether you’re a fan of the music, the art, or the vibe—it’s all here. GIG brings together community, creativity, and the stories that make music in Michigan unforgettable.
Join us July 24–25 at Palmer Commons in downtown Chelsea and experience the visual side of the music you love. Once again, this year’s event is free.
A Look Back at GIG 2025
Take a look back at the GIG Archive, which includes our program, photos, and press coverage from 2024 and 2025.
Testimonials from our 2025 Experience Survey
A huge thanks to everyone who attended GIG 2025 at Art 634 in Jackson. A special thanks to those of you who shared your thoughts with us via our survey. Overall, you mentioned that you very much dig GIG :) Here are a few highlights:
“Huge value for providing a visual artist networking community and exposure for artists.”
“GIG introduced me to so many wonderful Michigan creatives, and I really enjoyed the chance to see and appreciate the variety in the art/services displayed. The panels were really cool, too.
“I think a lot of people missed out on something cool.”
“Events that bring the Michigan music community together are fantastic.“
“Love connecting with other industry artists.”
Call For Visual Artists Is Open for 2026
We are seeking visual artists (graphic designers, photographers, videographers) to showcase their artwork at this year’s GIG - The Art Of Michigan Music Visual Experience 2026!
Our Submission form is waiting for you here!
Thank You, Mitten Music
Ryan and Jeff from Mitten Music spent the day with us this year at GIG 2025. They interviewed us as well as many of the visual artists who were part of the event. Catch the first episode of this series, where you get your podcasts or check out their website.
Be sure to check out the interview Life In Michigan did with Mitten Music, too.
SPONSORS NEEDED!
Fundraising is beginning for this year. It takes cold, hard cash to make this event happen. Ideally, we also want to help reduce the cost for visual artists to participate. If you have a lead on a sponsor, get in touch with Chuck (info@gigartmich.org)
Donations of any level are welcome. Help us showcase the visual artists in the Michigan music scene. Donate today!
Don’t Miss This!
At GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Foundation, we want to amplify the visual art of Michigan music. Here are some news, events, and happenings that you might dig. If you are a Michigan visual artist involved in the music community, shoot us your events and news to share - email us at info@gigartmich.org
Finality Seeks Graphic Designer
Detroit’s Finality is in search of a graphic designer!
Nathan Purchase
The multi-talented Nathan Purchase is always creating!
The Art of Cover Art
Shout-out to a very cool Substack publication focused on album artwork called The Art of Cover Art
Mike Shaler
Local concert photographer Mike Shaler has been busy covering a bunch of shows for Go Venue.
86Yeddie
Another cool design by 86Yeddie
Brent Mosser
Love the fun color and playful art of Brent Mosser
Caitlin Muncy
You just have to dig the magical artwork of Caitlin Muncy.
Jacob Rosenburg
Be sure to catch the art of Jacob Rosenburg at The Voyeur Bordello (5629 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210) starting Jan 16th and running until Jan 30th.
You NEED a GIG t-shirt and poster!!
We’ve got GIG - The Art of Michigan Music 2025 t-shirts and posters for sale for basically nothing but postage
Support GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Foundation
Our Mission
GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Foundation celebrates and amplifies Michigan’s rich music culture by highlighting the visual artists who shape its creative identity. Through exhibitions, workshops, and live events, we provide a platform for photographers, graphic designers, and videographers who craft concert posters, album art, band t-shirts, logos, and music videos—essential visual elements that elevate and support Michigan’s vibrant music community.
GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Foundation is committed to preserving and enriching Michigan’s rich musical heritage while nurturing its current and future generations of visual artists.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Michigan-based visual artists who contribute to the music community are celebrated and supported. Our long-term goal is to raise funds to provide stipends for artists participating in our annual showcase, GIG - The Art of Michigan Music. By alleviating the financial barriers of art show participation, we aim to create a platform that not only highlights their work but also offers meaningful opportunities for them to connect with the public and sell their creations.
Love what you’re doing!