The UJ Artists in Residence Programme | How to Apply
UJ Artists in Residence Programme 2026 : Apply Now
Are you an artist-academic with a bold, research-driven creative vision? University of Johannesburg (UJ) invites applications for its Artists in Residence (AIR) Programme 2026, a competitive opportunity for emerging and established creatives linked to Africa. Whether your medium is literary arts, film, music, design, visual arts, or performance, this residency offers a platform to produce world-class creative research output.
Applications close: 31 July 2025
Benefits of the UJ Artists in Residence Programme
- A monthly stipend of R10,000 (subject to statutory deductions)
- A residency duration of 12 months (Jan–Dec 2026) or 24 months (for Literary Arts and Film & Television projects)
- Option for remote or limited in-person residencies
- Support from UJ academic departments and creative hosts
There are no application or registration fees. However, applicants must demonstrate the capacity to self-manage their projects without relying heavily on host institutions.
What You’ll Do
Artists in Residence are expected to produce innovative creative work that reflects:
- A well-defined research problem and original methodology
- New insights into their discipline through creative scholarship
- Integration of creative product and process
- High artistic quality and scholarly contribution to knowledge
Your project must show how it advances understanding in your field, whether you’re composing symphonies, developing visual archives, or writing experimental literature.
Eligibility Requirements for the UJ Artists in Residence Programme
To be eligible:
- You must be an artist-academic, preferably with a connection to Africa
- You must hold a relevant post-school qualification
- You must not be employed by any other South African tertiary institution
- You cannot be a current UJ employee
Applicants may work remotely but must outline any on-campus resource needs (e.g., office, studio, or rehearsal space).
Application Highlights for the UJ Artists in Residence Programme
When applying, you’ll need to provide:
- A short biography and contact information
- A comprehensive project proposal covering:
- The research problem and key questions
- Creative methodology and conceptual framework
- Intended outcomes and academic contributions
- A detailed activity plan with milestones
- Resource needs (beyond the stipend)
- Preferred UJ department or host division
The outcome of all applications will be announced on 1 November 2025.
Why This Residency Matters
This residency positions artists as researchers who ask difficult questions, expand scholarly frontiers, and help reimagine what academic inquiry can look like.
It’s a chance to take your writing, film, performance, or practice to the next level—while contributing to the global conversation on knowledge production through art.
Looking to strengthen your application? You may find these helpful:
5 Benefits of Writing Internships
Successful Writing Ideas
Whether you’re working on an experimental opera, a multilingual poetry collection, or a community-based photo installation, the UJ Artists in Residence Programme 2026 wants to hear your vision.
Apply before July 31, 2025.
