University of Johannesburg (UJ) Artists in Residence Programme 2026

What the Programme Is All About

Launched in 2022, the UJ Artists in Residence Programme (AIR) is an initiative within UJ Arts & Culture, part of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA). It is created to support both emerging and established artists in producing innovative work that intersects art practice and scholarly research.

Artists selected to participate undertake a focused residency — either physically on campus or remotely — where they develop creative output aligned with academic standards. This model positions arts practice as a form of research, broadening its impact across artistic and academic communities.

Who Can Apply

Applications are welcomed from artist-academics worldwide, with a preference for practitioners who have a connection to Africa. Eligible applicants must:

Hold a relevant post-school qualification
Not be affiliated with another tertiary institution in South Africa at the time of application

The programme accepts proposals from a wide range of creative disciplines, including:

Visual Arts and Fine Arts
Music
Theatre
Performance and Dance
Design
Film and Television
Literary Arts

What the Residency Involves

Selected artists are expected to complete at least one major creative output project during their residency. Most disciplines follow a 12-month timeline, while Film & Television and Literary Arts projects may span up to 24 months — with all outputs required to meet the creative output standards set by South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training.

Stipend and Support

UJ supports successful candidates with a monthly stipend of R10 000 (before statutory deductions) to help sustain them during the residency. However, no additional funding — such as travel, accommodation, project seed funding, or per diems — is provided as part of the programme. Artists may choose to work remotely or on UJ’s campuses, but on-site spaces like studios and rehearsal rooms are limited and available on a first-come basis.

The Selection Process

The selection is competitive and academically rigorous. Applications are evaluated based on:

Artistic and professional track record
Quality and clarity of the residency proposal
Evidence of productivity and potential for academic writing
Alignment with the goals of arts practice research

This process ensures that only high-quality projects — capable of contributing meaningfully to the arts and academic discourse — are supported.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
Outcome date: Applicants will typically be notified later in 2025 (often around 1 November).

This programme offers artists the rare chance to refine their practice, engage deeply with research frameworks, and contribute to UJ’s vibrant creative ecosystem.

FAQs: UJ Artists in Residence Programme 2026

What is the purpose of the UJ Artists in Residence Programme?
The programme aims to foster arts practice as research by giving artists dedicated time and support to develop creative projects that align with academic and artistic standards.

Who is eligible to apply for the residency?
Artists from anywhere in the world can apply, provided they have a relevant qualification and do not have affiliations with other tertiary institutions in South Africa. The programme especially welcomes applicants with ties to Africa.

What disciplines are accepted?
Applications are accepted across multiple areas: Visual and Fine Arts, Music, Theatre, Performance and Dance, Design, Film and Television, and Literary Arts.

What financial support is provided to selected artists?
Selected residents receive a monthly stipend of R10 000 (before deductions). No extra funding for travel, accommodation, or project costs is included.

Can artists work remotely?
Yes — applicants may choose between remote or physical residencies, though on-site office, studio, and performance spaces are limited.