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.

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

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Maize Loves Blue Ridge (MLBR)

Maize Loves Blue Ridge (MLBR) is an organization focused on centering students from rural, Southern, and Appalachian backgrounds as well as their communities at the University of Michigan. Their mission is to build community amongst U-M students, foster a sense of belonging at the larger university, and expand access to resources through connecting members of similar backgrounds, participating in social engagement and campus involvement, and practicing service-oriented and education-based projects. Everyone is welcome at MLBR! You do not have to be from Appalachia, the South, or a rural area in order to attend meetings or events; anyone with an interest or appreciation for rural, Southern, and Appalachian culture and/or service for those communities is encouraged to stop by. As an inaugural service project, the organization will come together to raise funds for central and southern Appalachian communities because of the recent impact of Hurricane Helene on those areas, as well as raising awareness of the damages and effects of the climate disaster. They will be raising funds through an art market, and they will also host many community art-making spaces where students can come to share skills, learn a new art form, or just be in artistic community.

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Not Even Really Drama Students (NERDS)

Not Even Really Drama Students (NERDS) was created by a group of non-theater students who are passionate about musical theater, with the purpose of creating and performing student written musicals and plays. The aims of the organization are to write, produce, act in, and direct plays. The organization functions to enable this group of friends to pursue their passion. NERDS is holding auditions for their musical, The Adventures of Flashlight on Saturday, October 26 from 12-3:30 p.m. Fill out the audition form and sign up for a time slot to audition!

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The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)

The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students at the University of Michigan Chapter (NOMAS) aims to create a community that explores, promotes and supports academic understanding, professional development and the overall advancement of diversity and inclusion in architecture, urban planning and allied design fields. They are a student chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and participate in their events including the annual student design competition and conference. Locally, they host campus-based discussions, networking events, and career development opportunities with professionals. They seek to establish connections between members and experienced professionals belonging to NOMA, which embrace cultural diversity and inclusion in the design fields.

Events

Ann Arbor has tons of arts happening at any time. Find art around town, discover opportunities, and read about the local arts scene!

Our student bloggers review arts events and discuss the local arts scene.


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.

Calls & Auditions

View a list of opportunities aimed at students who want to share their artistic talents. Photo and design competitions, auditions, and calls for entry and more!

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.

Photo Credits

Many of the pages on our site feature artwork from students and alumni from the university. We change the photographs and designs periodically, drawing from the Student Creative Work section of this site.