The University of Michigan’s Arts Initiative has named Rhiannon Giddens as its inaugural Artist-in-Residence. This new program aims to bring innovative artists like Giddens to campus, engaging the university community with the transformative power of the arts. Giddens, a musician, composer, and scholar, is renowned for her work with the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera “Omar.” Her residency at U-M will span until October 2025, focusing on research into the American underclasses’ contributions to music.
Giddens, a MacArthur Fellow and multi-Grammy Award winner, is known for redefining artistry with a focus on Black American contributions. Her banjo was featured in Beyoncé’s 2024 hit “Texas Hold ‘Em.” At U-M, she will collaborate with librarians, faculty, and students to advance her research project. “I look forward to spending time at the University of Michigan next year, with their incredible archives and scholars, as I research and write my next book,” she stated.
The Artist-in-Residence program is a key part of the Arts Initiative’s broader Creators on Campus initiative, which aims to enhance learning and community service by bringing diverse creatives to the university. Through this program, established and emerging artists are supported in developing new projects, allowing the campus community to engage in the creative process. Students and faculty gain new creative models to apply to their work.
Mark Clague, the initiative’s executive director, noted, “Rhiannon Giddens is the perfect choice as the Arts Initiative’s inaugural U-M Artist-in-Residence.” He praised her artistry and commitment to showcasing diverse cultural contributions, emphasizing her role as a model of artistry and scholarly activism for the university.
Key components of the residency include:
- Research and creation — Giddens will utilize U-M’s extensive library and archival resources, such as the Clements Library and Labadie Collection.
- Student engagement — Through workshops, master classes, and collaborative projects, students, faculty, and staff will learn from Giddens.
- Public events — The residency will commence on Nov. 8 with the Silkroad Ensemble featuring Rhiannon Giddens’ American Railroad, presented by the University Musical Society.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration — Giddens will work across disciplines, showcasing the interconnectedness of the arts with other fields.
The artist-in-residence program highlights U-M’s commitment to supporting artists and enriching campus life. It aims to create a lasting impact on both the artist’s work and the university’s approach to arts education and community engagement.
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