Arts Initiative
Creative Fellows
2025 Lead Artist Facilitator
John Cameron Mitchell
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During the fall semester, the full cohort will meet biweekly with the Lead Artist Facilitator to develop ideas related to the theme “Art is for All.”
The full-group sessions will take place on the following Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m at Clark Commons Gallery, on the third floor of U-M Shapiro Library :
September 21
October 5
October 26
November 2
During these sessions dinner will be provided for the Fellows. Additional arts mentors will meet with project teams in between sessions for additional advice and project ideation.
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The resulting projects will be part of a showcase that will take place on Sunday, November 16. Creative Fellows have worked in the areas of performance, social engagement practices, visual art and image-making, and digital installation among others – the fellowship is inclusive of medium, concept, and approach.
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All U-M students, both undergraduate & graduate from all three campuses, are encouraged to apply to be part of the cohort of Fellows. Formal arts background or specialization are not required to participate.
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Fellows receive a $300 stipend and access to funds for project materials.
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Interested applicants should apply by April 22, 2025. Priority will be given to those who sign up before the end of the semester!
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.