The Latest
News & Stories from the U-m Arts Initiative
Artscapade 2026 starts the semester off with art
“Artscapade is an opportunity for students to see all the ways they can engage with the arts during their time at U-M. It also gives them the resources to take the next steps in their arts journeys, whether that’s visiting UMMA again, joining a student org, taking a class, or lots of other types of arts engagement.”
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.
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.
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?
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.
“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.
Student Mini Grants help U-M students turn bold ideas into reality
Student Mini Grants are turning bold ideas into unforgettable experiences—from haunted houses to art exhibitions, U-M students are bringing their creative visions to life with the Arts Initiative’s support.
Arts Initiative grants awarded to six research teams
The Arts Research: Incubation & Acceleration program has awarded grants to six faculty-led projects focused on topics ranging from the experiences of disabled communities to representations of plants and ecosystems in Great Lakes Indigenous artwork.
2025 by the Numbers: A Year of Arts Engagement Across Michigan
As the University of Michigan’s Arts Initiative closes out 2025, we’re reflecting with gratitude on the unforgettable arts experiences we created together this year.
Visual History of the Unions
Fourteen Stamps artists, graduating between 1982 and 2026, created new work about the history of the Michigan Union and League, as centers of university life.
Art Outta Town: How Shared Arts Experiences Help U-M Students Connect Beyond Campus
Art Outta Town trips—six free annual excursions offered by the University of Michigan’s Arts Initiative—give students access to unique off-campus arts experiences they might not otherwise have.
Historic board games = interactive pieces of art
We all had a favorite board game growing up. The University of Michigan’s Clements Library is highlighting familiar and unique toys and board games from throughout American history in their new exhibit, “For All Ages.”
UMich students explore the arts at Student Arts Org Fair
Student organizations focused on a variety of art forms tabled at the Student Arts Org Fair held on The Diag near the School of Kinesiology and Chemistry Buildings. Hosted by the University of Michigan Arts Initiative, the fair brought about a hundred students to explore the clubs.
Building creative community: Why U-M’s month-long Arts Festival matters now
The University of Michigan’s campuses are now immersed in the Michigan Arts Festival, a celebration through Oct. 26, 2025 to increase exposure, attendance and participation in the arts.
‘Between Voice and Silence’ opens at Duderstadt Gallery
"Between Voice and Silence" Opens at Duderstadt Gallery. Featuring a faculty-led project from Irina Bondarenko, supported through the Winter 2025 Arts Initiative Project Support (AIPS) grants.
Delving into the art (instead of science) of anatomy
The University of Michigan’s inaugural Michigan Arts Festival will shine a spotlight on the vibrant arts scene at the university and invites students, faculty, staff and the public to engage with the arts through over 100 events, many of which are free.
U-M launches fall Michigan Arts Festival
The University of Michigan’s inaugural Michigan Arts Festival will shine a spotlight on the vibrant arts scene at the university and invites students, faculty, staff and the public to engage with the arts through over 100 events, many of which are free.
PHOTO GALLERY — Scenes from Festifall on Central Campus
Thousands of students descended on Ingalls Mall on Central Campus on Aug. 27, 2025 for the annual Festifall, featuring a multitude of student organizations and vendors.
Arts Initiative launches ArtsRx to improve health, wellbeing
A broad coalition of University of Michigan arts and health units is launching Michigan ArtsRx, a new campus-wide program designed to support mental health and well-being through active engagement with the arts.
Momentum builds for inaugural Michigan Arts Festival
With just four weeks, excitement for the Michigan Arts Festival is mounting across the University of Michigan campus and beyond.