Student Creative Work
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.
Want to read more?
Our arts, ink. blog features weekly columns from student writers and artists, illuminating their thoughts and experiences with the arts!
aSoSS 51 | Stained
Over Christmas I started making it for him, my dad has a workshop, so I made him a wooden cooking spoon! RoosRoast, 10:00AM, 3/29/2025 a sleight of your hand and the coffee has splashed across the white: the countertop a constellation of heartbeats, the marble annotated with stars. a sleight of your hand, this falling. […]
Read More
wander! the diary #3
this week’s diary entry（˶′◡‵˶）: hey everyone : ) anyone else feel like they’ve been in a weird rut this past week? or maybe just since coming back from spring break, it feels like i’ve been in an never-ending game of catching up on everything. at the same time, i’m approaching the last few weeks of […]
Read More
Crooked Fool: Meditating on restorative justice and the arts
Last weekend, I was able to take a restorative justice training with the Dispute Resolution Center. This particular training was focused on circle processes, which basically set a container for allowing everyone with a stake in a given situation the chance to speak. In addition to being a tool for addressing harm, it turns out […]
Read More
Student Competitions & Exhibitions
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.
Student Arts Org Highlights
Gimble A Cappella
Gimble A Cappella is an innovative, all gender a cappella group on the U-M campus. They sing songs from all genres, arrange almost everything themselves, and love to entertain! Their annual spring concert, (G)reenhouse, will be held on April 5 in Angell Hall Auditorium A and is FREE to attend with a Passport to the Arts!
The Michigan Ballroom Dance Team
The Michigan Ballroom Dance Team is comprised of over 150 active members from all majors and backgrounds. The team aims to foster and promote competitive ballroom dancing among the students at the university, and participates in the competitive collegiate ballroom circuit, traveling to competitions held at other universities across the Midwest. The team offers lessons starting at the newcomer level, and no prior dance experience is necessary to join the team. MichComp, their annual Ballroom Dance Competition will be held on April 5 at Skyline High School and is FREE to attend with a Passport to the Arts!
The University of Michigan Gilbert & Sullivan Society (UMGASS)
The University of Michigan Gilbert & Sullivan Society (UMGASS) was founded in 1947 and is the oldest student-run society nationwide dedicated to performing the operettas of Sir William Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. Each year they bring together students and community members for two fully staged productions of Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. UMGASS's production of H.M.S. Pinafore will be playing at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theater April 3-6!
Events
Welcome to [art]seen!
Our [art]seen writers cohort is comprised of U-M students who review arts events on and near their campuses, sharing their thoughts and experiences on live music, film screenings, dance performances, theatre productions and art exhibitions.
REVIEW: Mickey 17
In 2019, when Parasite captivated both audiences and critics, it became an instant classic. While the film awards season is often unpredictable and sometimes controversial, Parasite triumphed with three Oscars—four if you count the Best International Feature Film award for South Korea—and made history as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. Director […]
Read More
REVIEW: Mickey 17
Science fiction meets satire in an explosive way in “Mickey 17” — but there is simultaneously too much and not enough of either. Set in 2054, main character Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson, “The Batman”) signs up to be an Expendable on the newest space colony expedition to Niflheim after receiving death threats from a loan […]
Read More
REVIEW: Michigan Youth Mariachi Festival 2025
“Viva Mexico!” Sombreros raise high in the cool stage air as a large community of passionate individuals come together to celebrate the history and culture of Mexico through the art of music and dance. Not many people are familiar with the art of Mariachi and Folklórico dance, so it was an inviting experience to have […]
Read More
Arts Info
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!
Art Around Town
Ann Arbor and U-M have a vibrant art scene with a constant array of arts events. Find weekly recommendations and resources on how to find and attend events.
Arts Initiative
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.
Arts & Culture
Visit U-M's Arts & Culture website to keep up with the latest arts news, and to explore the University's museums, cultural attractions, performance venues, public art, and more.
