The Latest
News & Stories from
the U-m Arts Initiative
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Student Arts Org Summit Report
“There are so many people who care about different types of art, and umich [is] so supportive. I was really moved.”
Taeyoon Ahn Leads Recreational Piano Program for Adults 60 & Over
Beginning in late February, Taeyoon Ahn (DMA ’26, piano pedagogy & performance) will lead a free 10-week group piano program for adults aged 60 and older.
Free youth program combines literacy and dance with U-M student/teachers front and center
The University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance has a unique partnership with the nationwide nonprofit Ballet & Books, founded by Talia Bailes, a fourth-year U-M medical student.
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.
A Meditation in Blue at the Arb
An artist and American culture alum returns to Ann Arbor to focus on “a place within the place” that is her creative foundation.
Making Art from Silence and Movement
The LSA Residential College inspires two generations of artists to see motion in metal and to hear music where there is no sound.
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.
Impact Institutes awards first seed funding to 10 research teams
Impact Institutes, a seed funding initiative launched in May 2025, has awarded its first cycle of funding to 10 new institutes from across the University of Michigan.