Artists Can Apply for Residence at University of Johannesburg With R12,000 Monthly Stipend
If you are an artist, creative researcher or arts practitioner looking for a funded international residency in 2027, the University of Johannesburg Artists in Residence Programme is worth serious attention.
The programme is open to emerging and established artists worldwide, although applicants with a connection to Africa are preferred. Successful applicants receive a 10-month residency and a monthly stipend of R12,000, subject to statutory deductions.
This is not a conventional studio residency where you simply produce artwork. UJ is specifically looking for artists who can develop an arts-practice-as-research project that results in a recognised creative research output.
Who Can Apply?
You should apply if your proposed project falls within one of UJ’s eligible creative disciplines:
- Fine Arts and Visual Arts
- Literary Arts
- Music Composition
- Film and Television
- Theatre, Performance and Dance
- Design
Applicants must hold a relevant post-school qualification, while preference will be given to candidates holding Master’s or PhD degrees.
You also need to be capable of developing and delivering the project largely remotely. This means you do not need to be permanently based at the University of Johannesburg during the residency, although occasional on-campus activity may be arranged through your host department.
One important restriction applies: applicants must not be affiliated with another South African tertiary institution, particularly through employment as a lecturer, research associate or similar role.
What Does the Residency Pay?
Successful applicants receive:
- R12,000 per month
- Funding for 10 months
- Temporary residency status at the University of Johannesburg
That means the stated stipend can total approximately R120,000 before statutory deductions over the full residency.
However, applicants should budget carefully. UJ states that this is a stimulus programme, and no additional project or seed funding will automatically be provided. Your proposal must therefore clearly explain which human, physical and financial resources are already secured and which resources are still needed beyond the stipend.
What Kind of Project Is UJ Looking For?
The strongest proposal will not simply say, “I want to create an exhibition, film, performance or book.” UJ wants the project to function as research through artistic practice.
Your proposal should explain:
- What you intend to create
- The research problem or question
- Your artistic research methodology
- How the project contributes new knowledge
- Project milestones and timeline
- Required resources
The final output should demonstrate creative originality, scholarly rigour, new research insight and a meaningful contribution to the relevant artistic field.
What Will Selected Artists Have to Do?
This residency comes with clear academic responsibilities.
Artists must produce at least one creative output submission that meets South Africa’s Department of Higher Education requirements.
Residents will also submit a 300-word progress update every month, participate in selected workshops or presentations, and may be asked to deliver workshops, lectures or other activities through their host department.
UJ may also request revisions to the final creative research submission even after the formal residency period has ended.
How Do You Apply?
Applicants need to complete the online UJ application and submit:
- A CV
- An arts-practice research proposal
- A detailed project activity plan
- Information on required and available resources
The proposal is one of the most important parts of the application because candidates are assessed competitively on their career record, productivity, academic-writing ability or potential, and the quality of the residency proposal.
Questions Applicants Are Likely to Ask
Can international artists apply?
Yes. The programme is open globally, although applicants connected with Africa are preferred.
Do I need a PhD?
No. A relevant post-school qualification is required, while Master’s and PhD holders receive preference.
Do I have to move to South Africa for 10 months?
Not necessarily. The programme is structured so that projects can largely be undertaken remotely, with occasional university-based activities where needed.
Is the R12,000 stipend separate from project funding?
Yes, but UJ specifically states that no additional project or seed funding is provided through the programme, so your project budget needs to be realistic.
Can I apply if I teach at another South African university?
Normally no. Applicants cannot be affiliated with another South African tertiary institution in roles such as lecturer or research associate.
Unsure Whether Your Creative Project Qualifies?
If you are unsure whether your film, novel, performance, artwork, composition or design project counts as arts-practice research, ask your question in the comments below this article. Mention your artistic field, qualification and proposed project idea, and we can help you judge whether it fits the UJ Artists in Residence Programme before you prepare the full application.