The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has now opened applications for its 2026 Artists in Residence Programme. Initiated in 2022, this programme is designed to stimulate arts practice as research and is targeted at artist-academics working in a range of disciplines.
Who Can Apply?
The UJ Artists in Residence Programme welcomes applications from emerging and established artists, from across the globe, but preferably with a link to Africa. Eligible candidates will not have affiliations with other tertiary institutions in South Africa and will hold a relevant post-school qualification.
Only proposals that fall within the following disciplines will be eligible:
• Visual Arts and Fine Arts
• Music
• Theatre
• Performance and Dance
• Design
• Film and Television
• Literary Arts
Application Details
The closing date for submissions is the 31st of July 2025.
While any language would be acceptable for proposed projects, the language for the application process is English.
The online submission form is the only application process for the programme, and manual submissions via other means will not be accepted.
There is no registration/application fee to apply for the UJ Artists in Residence Programme.
The outcome will be announced on the 1st of November 2025.
The Artists in Residence Programme requires artists to complete at least one creative output project within a 12-month, or 24-month period, for projects that fall within the Film and Television and Literary Arts disciplines. Arts-practice research and the resultant projects need to meet requirements of the Department of Higher Education for creative output.
Successful applicants will be offered a monthly stipend of R10,000 (subject to statutory deductions). The Programme is designed as a stimulus effort and no additional seed or project funding, travel, accommodation, and per diems will be made available through the Artists in Residence Programme over and above the monthly stipend. Applicants may apply for remote and/or physical residencies, noting that a limited number of offices, studios, rehearsal and performance spaces are available.
Since its inception three years ago, artists have been selected to work on a range of exciting projects including several bio-art projects, music compositions, novellas, documentaries as well as theatre productions. Previous Artists in Residence include Brenton Maart, Mbuso Ndlovu, Mai Al Shazly, Jaun Orantia, Yazeed Kamaldien, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Sonya Rademeyer and Kagiso Kekana, among others.
“This programme is designed to create time for artist-academics to undertake a focused inquiry as they develop creative output, and we have been privileged to witness the benefits and impact of this kind of sustained engagement and support,” says Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Culture and Chair of the University’s Creative Output Task Team.
Artists in Residence positions are awarded on a competitive basis, taking the applicant’s career track record, level of productivity, academic writing experience or potential and residency proposal into account. For inquiries, please send an email to air@uj.ac.za. To apply, click here.
About UJ Arts and Culture
UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campusesfor students, staff, alumni and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.
