The Arts Initiative is dedicated to providing a platform for University of Michigan students to share their artistic voice and creativity!
These programs showcase a wide range of student creative work.
Arts Initiative believes there is an artist inside each of us. These competitions are your opportunity to share your artistic genius, exhibit your work for the University community and win some prizes! Competitions will be held periodically throughout the year, with calls for art using different themes and mediums. Submissions are narrowed down by staff, and then the finalists are voted on by the public in the Unions and by the U-M Community online. Winners get great prizes, so be sure you’re signed up for Arts Info, our weekly email, so you’ll hear about our future contests and opportunities.
Winner of Outstanding Achievement by a Student Organization in Theatre and Outstanding Achievement by a Student Organization in Cultural Arts Practice
Basement Arts is a student theater organization housed within the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance’s Department of Theatre and Drama. The organization exists to create, develop, and produce innovative and inclusive student-produced theatre by allowing students from across campus to execute all aspects of the theatrical production process. Basement Arts offers all performances free of charge to the University of Michigan and greater Ann Arbor communities. They produce 6 full-scale productions a year in addition to a series of Late Night performance programming. With their Late NIght Series, they have collaborated with the organization, Notably Black and Gay to host their Kiki Ballroom competition, establishing a series called “Ballroom in the Basement”. They will have co-hosted 7 events this year, and are excited to continue to develop this incredible collaboration that celebrates Black and Queer artistry! They hosted the revival of the Latine Cabaret, a one-night only showcase of Latine talent and diaspora that is deep within the Walgreen. This event included Latin songs, food and drinks, scenes, poetry, and art made by and for Latine artists.
Arts Info is your weekly guide for arts events around Ann Arbor, student arts opportunities, information about and resources for student arts organizations, and student creative work!
The U-M Arts Initiative seeks to illuminate and expand human connections, inspire collaborative creativity, and build a more just and equitable world through the arts.