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

Filmic Productions

Outstanding Achievement by a Student Organization in Film & Video

Filmic Productions is a student-led video and film production agency at the University of Michigan. They have been around since 2010, and this past year, have grown to their largest size yet, boasting over 34 individual members! Each member specializes in a different aspect of film production. Each semester, they divide into teams and take on a real video production client with a real budget and contract. They typical clients range from departments of the university such as U-M ITS all the way to Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation. In 2024-2025, Filmic made videos for Side Biscuit, UMMA, the Trotter Multicultural Center, U-M ITS, the Smitten Dating app, the Doritos Crash the Super Bowl Contest, and more. They also have a few very exciting clients this semester that they can't wait to share more about soon! During this time, Filmic has brought in over $25,000 in revenue, the most their organization has ever brought in during an academic year. They are excited to share these accomplishments, as well as continue to provide a safe space for filmmakers of all backgrounds to grow their skills and make life-long connections!

Events


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.

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.