A 10-month residency from the University of Johannesburg offers emerging and established artists dedicated time and financial support to develop creative practice as research.
12 August 2026
Open Call:
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is accepting applications for its 2027 Artists in Residence Programme, an initiative that supports artists in developing creative practice as a form of research. Established in 2022, the programme welcomes emerging and established artists from around the world, preferably those with a connection to Africa, for residencies beginning in 2027.
Residents are required to complete at least one creative output project during the 10-month residency. All arts practice research and resulting projects must meet the Department of Higher Education and Training’s requirements for creative outputs.
Institutional Context:
The residency is an initiative of the University of Johannesburg, a South African institution focused on teaching, research, innovation, and societal impact. The Artists in Residence Programme is designed specifically to advance arts practice as research and to provide artist-academics with sustained time to undertake focused research and develop creative work.
Eligibility and Criteria:
Applicants must not be affiliated with another tertiary institution in South Africa and must hold a relevant post-school qualification. Preference will be given to applicants holding master’s or PhD degrees. Emerging and established artists internationally may apply, with preference given to applicants with a connection to Africa.
Proposals may focus on one discipline or combine several of the following:
- Visual Arts and Fine Arts
- Music
- Theatre
- Performance and Dance
- Design
- Film and Television
- Literary Arts
Applicants must propose a residency project capable of producing at least one qualifying creative output during the 10-month period.
Evaluation Process:
Appointments are made through a competitive academic selection process. Applications are assessed according to the applicant’s professional track record, productivity, academic writing experience, and the quality and feasibility of the proposed residency project. Only candidates who meet the programme’s academic and professional requirements will be considered for appointment.
Practical Information:
Residency duration: 10 months
Stipend: R12,000 per month, subject to statutory deductions
Application deadline: 31 August 2026
Residency format: Remote or physical
The residency is structured as a stimulus initiative. No additional seed funding, project funding, travel expenses, accommodation or per diems are provided beyond the monthly stipend. Physical residents may have access to office, studio, rehearsal and performance spaces, but availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed.
Applications and Queries:
Applications must be submitted through the application link provided by UJ Arts & Culture by 31 August 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Full programme information, application access and registration for the virtual information session are available through the UJ Arts & Culture website.
