2026–2027 Photo Urbanism Fellowship for New York City Photographers

Overview

The Design Trust for Public Space seeks photography project proposals for its 2026–2027 Photo Urbanism Fellowship. The selected Fellow will develop a self-directed photography project documenting the role of public spaces as sociocultural commons in New York City, examining how they function as places for arts, culture, education, celebration, and community connection. The fellow will devote the majority of the fellowship to developing the project, including photography, image editing, programming, and exhibition planning, and will also participate in mentorship and educational activities with young photographers.

Theme & Focus

The fellowship focuses on open and communal use of public space, asking photographers to document the ways in which New York City's parks, plazas, open streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces function as places for arts, culture, education, celebration, and community connection. Projects may explore how artists, cultural organizations, educators, community members, local businesses, and other groups transform shared spaces into places of belonging, creativity, learning, and connection. Particular interest is placed on historically marginalized neighborhoods and on the everyday activities and collective efforts that make public spaces more welcoming, accessible, and equitable.

Eligibility

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States
• Must be based in New York City
• Full-time students are not eligible; part-time students may apply
• Applicants with 5–7 years of photography experience preferred
• Demonstrated interest in teaching youth or undergraduate students, or leading youth engagement, is preferred
• Must be able to commit to a nine-month fellowship beginning October 1, 2026

Fellowship Terms

The fellow will allocate approximately 85% of fellowship time to project development, 10% to mentorship of young photographers, and 5% to administrative responsibilities, including meetings, invoicing, and expense tracking. The fellowship requires a nine-month commitment and availability to participate in meetings with the Design Trust, CUNY Macaulay Honors College, and the Youth Photography Workshop Intensive Teaching Fellow.

Program Benefits & Awards

• $10,000 stipend for the nine-month fellowship
• A solo exhibition at the conclusion of the fellowship
• Opportunities for feedback and professional development through two critiques with local photographers
• Support from the Design Trust as a resource and thought partner
• Opportunity to participate as a Visiting Critic during the Youth Photography Workshop Intensive for six CUNY Macaulay Honors College undergraduate students
• An opportunity to organize or participate in at least one public program related to the project

Fellowship Deliverables

• One comprehensive project proposal
• A final solo exhibition with a written description of the completed work/project
• At least five final images in both digital and print formats, with final print size to be determined
• Participation as a Visiting Critic during the Youth Photography Workshop Intensive
• At least one public program connected to the project, such as a talk or panel

Key Dates

• Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm: Deadline to apply
• Around Monday, September 28, 2026: Winner announcement
• Thursday, October 1, 2026: Photo Urbanism Fellowship begins

How to Apply

All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]. There is no application fee.