The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has opened applications for its 2027 Artists in Residence Program, inviting emerging and established artists from around the world to undertake creative research and develop new artistic work.
The program, which has been running since 2022, is designed to support arts practice as research across a range of creative disciplines. UJ says preference will be given to applicants with a connection to Africa, creating an opportunity for artists across the continent to develop their practices within a leading South African university.
Successful artists will participate in a 10-month residency beginning in 2027 and receive a monthly stipend of R12,000, subject to statutory deductions. This amounts to R120,000 over the full residency period before deductions.
The program is open to applicants working in Visual Arts and Fine Arts, Music, Theatre, Performance and Dance, Design, Film and Television, and Literary Arts.
Who can apply?
Applicants must hold a relevant post-school qualification and must not be affiliated with another tertiary institution in South Africa. UJ says preference will be given to candidates holding master’s and PhD degrees.
The selection process is competitive and will consider an applicant's professional track record, productivity, academic writing experience, as well as the quality and feasibility of the proposed residency project.
Artists selected for the program will be expected to complete at least one creative output project during the 10-month residency. The resulting arts-practice research and creative projects must meet the requirements of South Africa's Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for recognized creative outputs.
Remote and physical residency options
Artists can apply for either a remote or physical residency, giving international applicants greater flexibility.
However, UJ cautions that office, studio, rehearsal and performance spaces are limited and cannot be guaranteed.
The university will also not provide additional funding for travel, accommodation, per diems, seed funding or project costs beyond the monthly stipend.
Applicants considering a physical residency in Johannesburg should therefore take these additional costs into account when preparing their applications.
Information session for prospective applicants
UJ Arts & Culture will host an online information-sharing session for prospective applicants on Monday, 17 August 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00.
The session will be led by Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Culture, and will provide guidance on the application process and further information about the program. Prospective applicants will also have an opportunity to engage with the department and ask questions.
Applications close 31 August
Applications for the 2027 Artists in Residence Program must be submitted by 31 August 2026.
UJ has stressed that late applications will not be considered, making it important for prospective applicants to prepare their proposals and supporting materials before the deadline.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to artists seeking to combine creative practice with academic research and to develop substantial work over an extended period.
With its focus on artistic research, international participation and a preference for applicants connected to Africa, the program offers artists an opportunity to develop their work within a university environment while contributing to broader conversations around creative practice and knowledge production.
“Time is one of an artist’s most valuable resources.”
According to Pieter Jacobs, the program provides artist-academics with dedicated time to immerse themselves in focused research and develop meaningful creative work.
The University of Johannesburg, one of South Africa's leading universities, was ranked 292nd globally in the 2027 QS World University Rankings, entering the global top 300 for the first time.
Application details
Program: UJ Artists in Residence Program 2027
Residency duration: 10 months
Stipend: R12,000 per month
Residency format: Remote or physical
Application deadline: 31 August 2026
Eligible disciplines: Visual Arts and Fine Arts; Music; Theatre; Performance and Dance; Design; Film and Television; Literary Arts
Information session: 17 August 2026, 10:00–11:00
Prospective applicants can obtain further information and submit their applications through the University of Johannesburg's official Artists in Residence Program.
For enquiries, applicants can contact Motsi Machoga at kmachoga@uj.ac.za or 011 559 1476.
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