Arts Initiative

Creative Fellows

Fall 2025 applications are open!

Art is for All

  2025 Lead Artist Facilitator  

The Arts Initiative seeks U-M students to join the Fall 2025 cohort of the Arts Initiative Creative Fellows to develop creative projects around the theme "Art Is for All" with Lead Artist Facilitator, John Cameron Mitchell!

John Cameron Mitchell

John Cameron Mitchell

John Cameron Mitchell is an acclaimed actor, writer, and director known for his boundary-pushing work across theater, film, and television. He first captivated audiences with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, a rock musical he co-wrote and starred in, exploring identity, love, and self-acceptance. Mitchell later adapted and directed Hedwig for the screen, earning two Tony Awards, the Sundance Film Festival’s Best Director award, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.

Mitchell’s directorial work includes Shortbus (2006), an audacious exploration of intimacy; Rabbit Hole (2010), starring Nicole Kidman, which received an Oscar nomination for Kidman’s performance; and How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2017), featuring Kidman and Elle Fanning. His television credits span roles in Girls, Shrill, The Good Fight, Yellowjackets, The Sandman, City on Fire, and Joe vs. Carole.

In audio storytelling, Mitchell created the podcast series Anthem: Homunculus, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Glenn Close, Patti LuPone, Cynthia Erivo, and Laurie Anderson. He is also set to release Cancellation Island, a new podcast starring Holly Hunter. With his fearless approach to storytelling, Mitchell remains a powerful voice in contemporary culture, celebrated for his commitment to authenticity and representation.

PENNY STAMPS SPEAKER SERIES

John Cameron Mitchell
Is This My Story To Tell?

Thursday, April 3, 2025
5:30 p.m. at the Michigan Theater