Call for applications: University of Johannesburg Artists in Residency 2024

The initiative offers a unique opportunity for artists to embark on innovative practice-led research, showcase their work, and contribute to the vibrant artistic community at the institution.

Since inception of the programme two years ago, 16 artists have been selected to work on a range of exciting projects, including several bio-art projects, music compositions, novellas, documentaries and theatre productions. The first cohort included Brenton Maart, Mbuso Ndlovu, Mai Al Shazly, Jaun Orantia, Yazeed Kamaldien, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Sonya Rademeyer, Kagiso Kekana and Jamil Khan, while the second group comprised Carol-Ann Davids, Pieter Bezuidenhout, Mike Van Graan, Lucy Strauss, Dean Hutton, Shane Cooper, and Sabelo Mthembu. 

The programme welcomes applications from emerging and established artists from across the globe, but preferably with a link to Africa. Applications for both physical and remote residencies are possible.

Only proposals for projects that can be completed within a 12-month period and that fall within the following disciplines will be eligible:

• Music.
• Visual arts and fine arts.
• Theatre.
• Performance and dance.
• Design.
• Film and television.
• Literary arts.

Successful applicants will be offered a 12-month residency and a monthly stipend of R10 000 (about $550 and subject to statutory deductions) will be made available. The programme is designed as a stimulus effort and no additional project/seed funding will be made available through the programme.

Eligible candidates will not have affiliations with other tertiary institutions in South Africa. The programme requires artists to complete at least one creative output project within a 12-month period that meets the Department of Higher Education’s requirements for creative output.

Applicants are required to attach to the application an updated CV and a project proposal that clearly outlines the following:

• Details of the planned project.
• A high-level description of the research areas, highlighting the research objectives, research questions and research methodology.
• A detailed timeframe activity plan.
• In addition to the monthly stipend, applications should list the human, physical and financial resources that will be needed to complete the project, as well as project funding, sponsorships and/or partnerships secured.

Selection criteria

Career track-record

• Applicant’s expertise/training and experience will enable the applicant to undertake proposed creative projects successfully.
• The perceived quality of the applicant’s creative output and impact.
• The level of the applicant’s productivity.

Projects proposal

• Projects design, planning and originality.
• Research design and methodology developed to address the aims of the research.
• Human and financial resources available for the proposed project.

Institutional support

• Institutional support for the Artist in Residence through infrastructure and facilities for an enabling environment.
• Potential creative outputs and impact.
• Potential to contribute to the institution’s creative output targets.

Interested artists should apply here before 14 August.

All inquiries should be addressed to Jermain Johnson via email at air@uj.ac.za or on +27 11 559 2690.

View the original call here.