Rhizome Fellowship 2026 – Narrative Systems Change

The Rhizome Fellowship 2026 is a fully-funded, nine-month programme for narrative practitioners, artists, journalists, researchers, and activists committed to regenerative futures. Running from May to December 2026, the fellowship combines regular online sessions with a week-long in-person gathering in Costa Rica (22–28 October 2026).

Fellows develop narrative projects aligned with one of five 'Pathways to Regenerative Futures', addressing ecological, social, and cultural regeneration through storytelling and cultural strategy. Projects are shaped using the Culture Hack Method — a practical framework for driving real-world impact in communities.

What's included:

• Fully covered in-person gathering in Costa Rica (visa support, flights, accommodation, meals, and local transport)
• Biweekly online sessions with a global cohort
• Mentorship and access to Culture Hack tools and methodology
• Support for project development aimed at measurable narrative impact

Who should apply:

This fellowship is open to international artists, media-makers, journalists, researchers, and activists. Applications must be submitted as a collective or organisation with a minimum of two participants — at least one leading and one supporting participant. Applicants should already be engaged in work or activism related to narrative or systemic change, and bring a genuine commitment to decolonial, regenerative, and cross-cultural approaches.

How to apply:

Applicants are required to attend two introductory online sessions on 26 March and 2 April 2026, then submit a Narrative Project Proposal aligned with one of the five Pathways. Shortlist interviews are scheduled for 27 April – 1 May 2026, with final selections confirmed in the first week of May.

There is no application fee. Projects should be designed to scale and deliver tangible impact within communities.