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.



See weekly posts from our students writers and artists illuminating their thoughts and experiences with the arts!


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

Image

The Black Film Society is a creative and collaborative space that values the voices of Black students, though ALL are welcome, who are interested in film and television writing, production, and history. Members don't have to be a film major. More than half of the members are STEM and business majors. They also value intersectionality in their membership and events. Since most of their members aren't film majors, they prioritize an open learning environment through their workshops. They are committed to sharing knowledge, networking, and providing non-traditional pathways into the entertainment industry. They cultivated the first all-Black film crew at the Duderstadt Video Studio. Many who participated didn't even know that it was a resource for them. They are currently editing this short. They also collaborated with UWS, a poetry club, for a writing and production event, introducing them to camera and lighting techniques while intersecting poetry and film. They partnered with The Arts Initiative to plan a trip to the Wright Museum, highlighting Ruth E Carter's contributions to costuming and other Black art. Additionally, they are sponsoring a film directed by a Black filmmaker in the Ann Arbor Festival.

Image

Want to sing? Or learn to dance? Or discuss films? Check out the 200+ student arts organizations in our Student Arts Org directory, and discover the group that shares your interests and aspirations!

Image

Is your Student Arts Org doing something you want people to know about? Let us know for a chance to be featured!

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.