The Latest
News & Stories from
the U-m Arts Initiative
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.
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.
Digital interactive map showcases public art on U-M’s campus
On a warm summer afternoon, Adi Behar, a junior in the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, sat contemplating the Rampant Unicorn statue outside the Michigan League.
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.”