The Latest
News & Stories from
the U-m Arts Initiative
American Sampler: An Archive of Protest Art Meets the Moment
University of Michigan Museum of Art spotlights “a long twentieth-century history of dissent”
Behind the Scenes at the Smithsonian
The telling of United States history is an interminable task. Whose voices speak the loudest? Conversely, whose stories are buried in the archives? For history students Madeline Wise and Jewell Mason, and history alum Christopher Wilson (A.B. 1989), these questions form the backbone of their professional work.
The Visible World
In his “Ways of Seeing” course, Professor Rattanamol Singh Johal introduces students to images of great works of art and architecture—the Parthenon, the Córdoba Mosque in Spain, Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych, to name three. But before delving into materials, history, context, or technique, Johal asks students to note what they see.
Knight-Wallace Fellows 2026-2027
The Knight-Wallace Fellowships provide accomplished journalists an academic year of study, collaborative learning and access to the resources of the University of Michigan to pursue ambitious journalism projects, tackle challenges facing the journalism industry and participate in biweekly private seminars with journalism leaders, scholars, media innovators and social change agents. This cohort marks the 53rd class of Fellows in the program’s history.
Finding Community at the Sunday Kerrytown Artisan Market
From handcrafted jewelry and photography to handmade guitars and live music, the Sunday Artisan Market offers a glimpse into Ann Arbor's vibrant creative community. During an Arts Initiative Art Meetup, University of Michigan students explored the Kerrytown market, connected with local artists, and discovered how art can bring people together both on and off campus.
U-M alumna Gabriela Lena Frank wins 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Music
Gabriela Lena Frank, the 2026 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music, credits her mentors at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance with cultivating the passion that fuels her creative sense of adventure.
Inside the Worlds STAMPS Seniors Built
Every spring, the Art and Architecture Building transforms into a maze of installations, galleries, and student-built worlds. The annual Integrative Project Exhibition showcases ambitious capstone work by graduating STAMPS seniors across disciplines ranging from painting and sculpture to games, fashion, and multimedia art.
Basement Arts Gives Students Room to Experiment—and Belong
Basement Arts gives U-M students space to experiment, collaborate, and create accessible theatre for both campus and the wider Ann Arbor community.
2026 Michigan Arts Magazine
This year’s issue of Michigan Arts reflects the university’s commitment to advancing the arts as a vital part of learning, research, public service, and community life.
After decades of partnership, U-M studies what makes Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra great
After decades of collaboration between the University Musical Society (UMS) and the internationally acclaimed Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO), University of Michigan (U-M) researchers set out to answer a complex question: what makes the BPO so great?
U-M Arts Honors Cords allow grads to mark arts’ importance in their studies
A University of Michigan program allows graduating students to show off the importance of arts in their academic careers through an Arts Honors Cord to wear with their caps and gowns.
Palmer Commons renovations to open arts doors to more students
Planned renovations to two floors of Palmer Commons will expand access to arts and well-being classes for students on Central Campus, free up needed space on North Campus, and advance university wide strategic vision goals.
From UMMA’s Walls to Students’ Homes: Art That Lives with You
On January 13, 2026, a group of U-M students gathered at UMMA to find out something unexpected: which work of art would they be taking off the walls and living with for the semester.
University of Michigan Students Decide UMMA’s Next Acquisition in Live “Art Tank” Event
December 2026—UMMA and the Ross School of Business partnered this fall to launch The Business of Art (BE 460), a groundbreaking new course that explores how art, economics, and curatorial decision making intersect.
10 pianists to perform all 20 of Philip Glass’ piano études in Ann Arbor show
A single evening will bring together 10 pianists, 20 short compositions, and a wide spectrum of musical voices.
Bill Burgard & Michelle Inez Hinojosa Receive 2025 Golden Paintbrush Awards
Stamps Lecturer II Bill Burgard and alumna Michelle Inez Hinojosa have received 2025 Golden Paintbrush Awards for public art projects created in the city of Ann Arbor.
U-M Faculty Arts Ambassadors share creativity across state of Michigan
The University of Michigan’s Arts Initiative is launching the Faculty Arts Ambassador Program, supporting two U-M faculty members in bringing community-centered arts experiences to locations across Michigan this summer.
Fishkeeping Club unveils new aquarium in East Quad
Students gathered in the basement of East Quad Residence Hall Friday afternoon to watch members of the University of Michigan Fishkeeping Club unveil their latest project: an aquarium in the Residential College’s communal space.
“Great Gatsby” will be read onstage verbatim in New York theater company’s Ann Arbor performance
The New York-based theater company Elevator Repair Service will bring “GATZ,” a six-and-a-half-hour production involving a verbatim reading of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” to Ann Arbor March 27-29.
Accolades Awards spotlight student arts organizations across campus
From emerging groups to established favorites, the Accolades Awards spotlight the student arts organizations shaping U-M’s creative community.