The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is excited to announce the opening of applications for its 2026 Artists in Residence Programme, which has been running since 2022. This programme is designed to foster arts practice as research and is aimed at artist-academics across various disciplines.
UJ invites both emerging and established artists from around the world, preferably with a connection to Africa, to apply.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must not have affiliations with other tertiary institutions in South Africa.
- Applicants should hold a relevant post-school qualification.
The closing date for submissions is 31 July 2025.
To submit your application, please click here
Eligible Disciplines:
- Visual Arts and Fine Arts
- Music
- Theatre
- Performance and Dance
- Design
- Film and Television
- Literary Arts
The Artists in Residence Programme requires that artists complete at least one creative output project within a 12-month or 24-month period (for Film and Television and Literary Arts). All projects must meet the Department of Higher Education’s standards for creative output.
Information Sessions:
Pieter Jacobs, Head of the Division of Arts & Culture, will host two virtual information-sharing sessions to guide prospective applicants through the process and provide key insights into the programme. These sessions will also offer an opportunity for applicants to engage with the department and ask questions. The sessions will be held on:
For further information on creative submissions, please refer to the Department of Higher Education’s Creative Outputs Implementation Guidelines.
Stipend and Residencies:
Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of R10,000 (subject to statutory deductions). The programme is intended as a stimulus effort, and no additional seed funding, travel, accommodation, or per diems will be provided beyond the monthly stipend. Applicants may choose between remote or physical residencies; however, note that there are limited spaces available for offices, studios, rehearsal, and performance areas.
Previous Artists in Residence:
Since its inception, the programme has supported a wide range of creative projects, including bio-art, music compositions, novellas, documentaries, and theatre productions. Notable past artists include:
- Brenton Maart
- Mbuso Ndlovu
- Mai Al Shazly
- Lindiwe Matshikiza
- Sonya Rademeyer
- Kagiso Kekana
- Jamil Khan
- Carol-Ann Davids
- Pieter Bezuidenhout
- Mike Van Graan
- Lucy Strauss
- Dean Hutton
- Shane Cooper
- Sabelo Mthembu
- Heinrich Nieuman
- Sfundo W. Sosibo
- Keenan John Meyer
- Janneke de Lange
- Louise Westerhout
- Edouard Duval-Carrié
Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Culture, reflects, “Time is often regarded as our most valuable resource, and that is precisely what this programme provides—dedicated time for artist-academics to immerse themselves in focused research and produce meaningful creative work. We are fortunate to witness the profound benefits and lasting impact of such sustained engagement.”
Selection Process:
Artists In Residence positions are awarded through a rigorous and competitive academic process, with careful consideration of the applicant’s career track record, productivity, academic writing experience, and the quality of their residency proposal. Only those who meet academic and professional standards will be selected.
For more information and to apply,CLICK HERE
For enquires please contact Alexander Makhubu on alexjm@uj.ac.za or 011 559 4674
About the University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, striving towards global excellence and stature. Ranked amongst the top 4% in the QS World Class Universities Ranking and 61st in the QS BRICS World Class Universities Ranking, UJ is recognised as an international university of choice. As a University, it aims to enrich its academic profile and develop UJ as the pan-African epicentre of critical intellectual inquiry.