The Roman J. Witt Residency Program at the University of Michigan is dedicated to supporting the creation of new work by artists and designers, both established and emerging. Each academic year, one residency is awarded to a deserving individual. The resident receives a generous honorarium of $20,000 for a residency period of up to 12 weeks, along with housing, studio space, and up to $10,000 in funding for materials, research, and development.
In the upcoming 2026–27 academic year, the Witt Residency is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Michigan Institute for the Humanities (IH). The resident is expected to actively engage with the Stamps School of Art & Design and the IH communities during their time at the university. A portion of their residency will involve direct interaction with students and faculty members.
The Institute for the Humanities will provide the resident with access to their contemporary gallery, renowned for its commitment to critical inquiry and engagement with pressing issues. The gallery serves as a platform for public engagement and fosters connections between humanities research and real-world challenges, with a focus on social practice.
The 2026–27 resident will engage in remote planning sessions during the Fall 2026 semester and will be present on-site in Ann Arbor for the Winter 2027 semester. Their exhibition is slated to open in Fall 2027, and they will also have the opportunity to participate in the Penny Stamps Speaker Series by giving a lecture or presentation.
Past residents of the Witt Residency Program include performance artist Stacey Kirby in 2025 and interdisciplinary artist Holly Bass in 2026. The program is currently accepting proposals for the 2026–27 residency, with a deadline of January 15, 2026. Interested applicants can submit their proposals through the online review system SlideRoom, with a nominal $15 submission fee that directly supports hosting services.
For further details and to apply for the Witt Residency Program, visit stamps.umich.edu.
