UJ Artists in Residence Scholarship 2027 in South Africa | Fully Funded

It is a 10-month residency programme at the University of Johannesburg for artists, creative researchers and arts practitioners to develop an independent arts-practice-as-research project. Residents receive a R12,000 monthly stipend, subject to statutory deductions. Projects can largely be conducted remotely, but selected artists are expected to produce a recognised creative research output and participate in relevant university activities.

Emerging or established artists, creative researchers and arts practitioners from around the world may apply. Applicants should hold a relevant post-school qualification, propose a project in an eligible creative discipline, and show ability to develop an arts-practice-as-research project. Preference is given to candidates with a connection with Africa and those holding Master’s or PhD degrees. Applicants must not be affiliated with another South African tertiary institution as a lecturer or research associate.

Eligible fields include Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Music Composition, Film and Television, Theatre, Performance and Dance, and Design. Applicants should ensure their proposed project fits within one of these creative areas and can be developed as a meaningful research project. The proposal must clearly establish its research dimension rather than simply proposing the creation of an artwork, film, book or performance.

Successful residents receive a R12,000 monthly stipend, subject to statutory deductions. This is provided for the 10-month residency period, resulting in a stated total of approximately R120,000 before applicable statutory deductions. The stipend is financial support for living costs and is not a separate project budget, so applicants should plan project resources separately.

No additional project or seed funding is automatically provided. The R12,000 monthly stipend is not the same as a separate project budget. Applicants should clearly explain available resources, required resources, human and physical resources, financial requirements, and how the project will be completed within available resources. A realistic, well-planned proposal is particularly important.

Yes, the programme is structured to allow projects to be undertaken largely remotely. Selected artists do not necessarily have to remain physically at the University of Johannesburg throughout the 10-month period. However, residents may be expected to participate in occasional university-based activities, workshops, presentations or other events through their host department. Applicants should be prepared for some interaction when required.

Applicants need to prepare an online application with a CV, an arts-practice research proposal, a detailed project activity plan, and information about available and required resources. The research proposal is particularly important because applicants are assessed competitively on career record, creative productivity, academic writing ability, project quality and suitability of the residency proposal.

A Master’s or PhD is not an absolute requirement, but preference is given to applicants who hold Master’s degrees, PhD degrees or other relevant post-school qualifications. Applicants should demonstrate that their educational background and professional experience are appropriate for their proposed arts-practice research project. Strong academic writing ability or potential is also valued in the selection process.

Selected residents must produce at least one creative output submission that meets the requirements of South Africa’s Department of Higher Education. They must submit a 300-word progress update each month, participate in selected workshops or presentations, engage with their host department, potentially deliver workshops or lectures, complete the proposed project, and submit the final creative research output. The university may request revisions after the residency period.

Applicants should complete the online University of Johannesburg Artists in Residence application and submit all required supporting materials. Before applying, select an eligible creative discipline, develop a clear arts-practice-as-research project, define the research question, explain the artistic methodology, create a realistic timeline, identify resources, prepare a strong CV, and review eligibility requirements carefully. Avoid leaving the proposal until the final days.