The Brown Institute for Media Innovation at Columbia Journalism School is pleased to announce the third annual Marco Castro Cosio Media Art and Technology Fellowship competition, named in honor of the late Marco Castro Cosio. This award provides fiscal sponsorship of $10,000 and a residency at the Brown Institute at Columbia. The fellowship is designed for emerging creators and researchers dedicated to impactful, interdisciplinary work. We encourage applications that embody Marco’s commitment to using technology, media, and the arts to address pressing societal challenges, foster collaboration across disciplines, and create meaningful connections between communities and ideas.

This award celebrates Marco’s legacy of creativity — he brought purpose and fresh perspectives to every one of his projects. Professionally, Marco held positions in museums, educational institutions and eventually the sustainability arm of a major, global corporation. In each setting, he fostered deep connections between individuals from very different disciplines to study critical and complex questions. His background in digital media and his exploration of intersectionality and intentionality made him a trusted advisor and an inspiring collaborator.

While this residency is remote, fellows based in New York City or those who would like to conduct a portion of their work in the city will be provided access to the Brown Institute space in Pulitzer Hall on Columbia University campus. The $10,000 award may be used to cover any expenses associated with the project. These may include travel, living expenses, equipment costs, and other project fees. Please note that applicants must be eligible to receive funding from a U.S.-based institution. In addition, the Brown Institute cannot offer visa support or sponsorship for this opportunity.

Application Timeline

• Applications open on November 10, 2026
• Applications due on January 8, 2027
• Announcement of the winner on January 22, 2027

Fellowship Details

• Duration: Up to 1 Year
• Fiscal Sponsorship: One-time disbursement of $10,000 in general support
• Location: Remote but provided optional residency at the Brown Institute at Columbia to work alongside staff, grantees and fellows of the Institute.

Application Requirements

Applications are due January 8, 2027. Required materials include:

1. Résumé/CV: A one-page résumé/cv detailing relevant experience
2. Project Proposal: A brief, one-page proposal outlining a project idea for the residency
3. References: Names and contact information for two professional references
4. Portfolio or Work Samples: Examples of recent, relevant work (up to 3 projects)