Open call: University of Johannesburg artist residence programme

Designed to stimulate arts practice as research, the programme is targeted at artist-academics working in a range of disciplines.

The UJ Artists-in-Residence Programme welcomes applications from emerging and established artists, from across the globe, but preferably with a link to Africa. Eligible candidates will not have affiliations with other tertiary institutions in South Africa and will hold a relevant post-school qualification.

Interested artists should apply here before 11 September 2024.

Only proposals 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

The Artists-in-Residence Programme requires artists to complete at least one creative output project within a 12-month (or 24-month) period for projects that fall within the film and TV and literary arts disciplines. Arts-practice research and the resultant projects need to meet the requirements of the Department of Higher Education for creative output.

Successful applicants will be offered a monthly stipend of R10 000 (about $560) subject to statutory deductions. The programme is designed as a stimulus effort and no additional seed or project funding, travel, accommodation, and per diems will be made available through the Artists-in-Residence Programme over and above the monthly stipend. Applicants may apply for remote and/or physical residencies, noting that a limited number of offices, studios, rehearsal and performance spaces are available.

“As the adage goes, time is our most precious commodity, and that is exactly what this programme is designed to do – create time for artist-academics to undertake a focused inquiry as they develop creative output, and we have been privileged to witness the benefits and impact of this kind of sustained engagement and support,” Head of UJ Arts & Culture and chairperson of the university’s creative output task team Pieter Jacobs said.

Artists-in-Residence positions are awarded on a competitive basis, taking the applicant’s career track record, level of productivity, academic writing experience or potential and residency proposal into account.

For inquiries, please send an email to air@uj.ac.za.