Graduate Student Arts Research Grant

The Arts Initiative will consider funding requests for new projects and research, as well as ongoing research. A single application can request a maximum of $3,000, and a single project is limited to one grant award through the life of the project. 

Funding Restrictions:

• Travel expenses (if you are eligible, refer to Rackham International Research Awards, Conference and Travel Grant).

• Retroactive projects.

• Food and beverages (limited to 10% of the budget, no alcohol).

This grant is open to current U-M graduate students from all three campuses. We seek projects that expand disciplinary boundaries using the arts, including but not limited to:

• Interdisciplinary and experimental art forms

• Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, installation)

• Performing Arts (theater, music, dance)

• Digital Arts (video, new media, animation)

• Literary Arts (poetry, prose, playwriting)

Projects must take place between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.

Submission Materials:

1. Online Application: Go to our submission portal. You will be asked to provide with a brief and a more extended description of your project and the type of activities it will involve, a timeline and budget, etc.

2. Optional Portfolio: Include up to three media files showcasing previous work or relevant project materials.

3. Detailed Timeline and Budget: Please, download and fill up the following budget template.

4. Advisor’s Letter: A brief letter from your advisor confirming that your project will not interfere with your course of studies. Your advisor can send their letter to gsargqueries@umich.edu.

Your project proposal will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Clarity, imagination, and quality of the proposed project

• Feasibility of the project based on the timeline and the budget.

• How does your project align with ONE of the program’s focus areas: 

  • Broad and Inclusive Engagement with the Arts

    • How will your project expand access to the arts and engage diverse communities—especially non-arts-designated groups—through performances, exhibitions, or participatory events?

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Innovation

    • How will your project create meaningful interdisciplinary connections and engage with audiences outside your area of study?

  • Transformative Impact and Enhanced Understanding

    • In what ways will your project employ the arts to explore challenging topics, stimulate thoughtful conversation that resonate with a wide range of students and campus groups?

• Priority will be given to projects that:

  • Emphasize activity that contributes to the AY 26-27 theme area in the university's Vision 2034: Environmental Justice.

  • Strengthen and develop the university’s engagement with campus communities and the broader public 

  • Demonstrate a value for and support arts access and civic engagement

  • Inspire conversation and dialogue engaging with the urgent issues of our time

2025 applications are closed.

Advising Appointment: If you are selected as a finalist, the Arts Initiative staff may reach out to schedule a 20 minute advising appointment to discuss and assist with your project's budget and timeline.

Funding will not be transferred to your student account. Expenses will be managed and tracked by your unit’s financial administrator or “single administrative point of contact” (SAPOC). We strongly encourage applicants to reach out to your unit's graduate coordinator for assistance in identifying the correct person.

Other Considerations:

• The decision of the Review Committee is final.

• Funding is available for new programs and initiatives, as well as recurring programs that are expanding the scope of their efforts. 

Awarded projects must:

• Participate in a share out event hosted by the Arts Initiative for all awardees to briefly share their project. 

• Be completed within one academic year (exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis).

• Include a creative culminating event/presentation/exhibition shared with the U-M community.

• Share images and project descriptions for the Arts Initiative website and Michigan News.

• Submit a GSARG Final Report.

• Appropriately acknowledge the Arts Initiative by including its logos in any printed and web material related to the funded activity.

We are committed to helping all applicants navigate the application process. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact gsargqueries@umich.edu.