UJ calls for applications for its 2027 Artists in Residence Programme.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its 2027 Artists in Residence Programme, which has been running since 2022. Designed to advance arts practice as research, the programme supports working across a range of creative disciplines.

UJ invites emerging and established artists from around the world, preferably with a connection to Africa, to apply for residencies commencing in 2027.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

not be affiliated with another tertiary institution in South Africa;

hold a relevant post-school qualification (preference will be given to applicants with master’s and PhD degrees).

Applications close 31 August 2026.

Late applications will not be considered.

Click here – https://arts.uj.ac.za/artists-in-residence-application-2027/

Eligible Subfields

Proposals may be submitted in one or a combination of the following disciplines:

Visual Arts and Fine Arts

Music

Theatre

Performance and Dance

Design

Film and Television

Literary Arts

Artists participating in the programme will be required to complete at least one creative output project within a 10-month residency. All arts-practice research and resulting projects must meet the Department of Higher Education and Training’s requirements for creative outputs.

Virtual information sessions

Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Culture, will host virtual information-sharing sessions to guide prospective applicants through the application process and provide further insight into the programme. Applicants will also have an opportunity to engage with the department and ask questions.

The session will take place as follows:

Date: Monday, 17 August 2026

Time: 10:00-11:00

Platform: Online

RSVP: CLICK HERE TO RSVP – UJ Artist In Residence (AIR) Programme Virtual Information Session – Fill out form – https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/UjR3gSVGLT

For further information about creative output submissions, please consult the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Creative Outputs Implementation Guidelines.

Stipend and residency arrangements

Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of R12,000 for 10 months, subject to statutory deductions.

The programme is intended as a stimulus initiative. No additional seed or project funding, travel, accommodation or per diems will be provided in addition to the monthly stipend.

Applicants may apply for remote or physical residencies. However, office, studio, rehearsal and performance spaces are limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Reflecting on the value of the programme, Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Culture, says “Time is one of an artist’s most valuable resources. Through this programme, artist-academics are given dedicated time to immerse themselves in focused research and develop meaningful creative work. We have seen the profound and lasting impact that this kind of sustained engagement can have on both artistic practice and knowledge production.”

Selection process

The UJ Artists In Residence appointments are made through a rigorous and competitive academic selection process. Applications will be assessed according to the applicant’s professional track record, productivity, academic writing experience and the quality and feasibility of the proposed residency project.

Only applicants who meet the programme’s academic and professional requirements will be considered for appointment.

Applications and enquiries

For more information and to apply:

Click here – https://arts.uj.ac.za/artists-in-residence-application-2027/

For enquiries, please contact Motsi Machoga on kmachoga@uj.ac.za or 011 559 1476 / 011 559 4674.

About the University of Johannesburg

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and globally recognised institution rooted in Africa and the Global South. Committed to excellence, innovation and societal impact, UJ advances knowledge through teaching and learning, impactful research and meaningful partnerships.

In the 2027 QS World University Rankings, UJ achieved its highest-ever position, ranking 292nd globally and second in both South Africa and Africa.

Lakin Morgan-Baatjies
lakinmb@uj.ac.za
011 559 1130
University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture
https://arts.uj.ac.za/artists-in-residence/