Applications are now open for the Citizen AI Arts & Technology Fellowship 2026–2027, a paid fellowship designed to bring together artists, creatives, researchers, storytellers, facilitators, and community practitioners interested in exploring the intersection of art, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, democracy, and public life.
The fellowship welcomes participants from diverse disciplines, backgrounds, generations, and career stages. Importantly, no prior expertise in artificial intelligence is required. The programme encourages applications from individuals who are curious about AI, enthusiastic about its possibilities, skeptical of its impacts, or interested in critically examining its role in society.
Through collaborative inquiry, experimentation, and public engagement, fellows will explore how communities can play a greater role in shaping the development and governance of emerging technologies.
About the Fellowship
The Citizen AI Arts & Technology Fellowship is designed as a multi-year initiative that combines creative practice, research, community engagement, and public dialogue.
Rather than beginning with a predetermined project, fellows will work together to investigate key questions surrounding artificial intelligence and its impact on society. Participants will collectively develop ideas and co-design a public initiative that encourages broader community participation in conversations about technology and democracy.
The programme values multiple forms of knowledge and contribution, including artistic creation, storytelling, facilitation, community organising, critical inquiry, research, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship is organised into two distinct phases that build upon one another.
Year 1: Collective Inquiry and Co-Design
During the first year, fellows will form a community of practice dedicated to shared learning, dialogue, experimentation, and community engagement.
Participants will explore important questions such as:
- How can communities have a stronger voice in shaping artificial intelligence?
- What values, principles, and safeguards should guide emerging technologies?
- How can artistic and creative practices make conversations about AI more accessible and inclusive?
- What role can public participation play in technology governance?
Rather than focusing immediately on implementation, fellows will spend this phase building relationships, exchanging ideas, and collaboratively designing a participatory public initiative.
Year 2: Development and Public Engagement
The second phase focuses on developing and implementing the initiative that emerges from the first year.
Participants will work alongside community members and project partners to:
- Develop and prototype ideas
- Test concepts in real-world settings
- Gather community feedback
- Refine project approaches
- Bring creative and civic engagement activities into public spaces
Participation in Year 2 is not automatic. Fellows selected for Year 1 may be invited to continue based on the evolving needs and direction of the project.
Fellowship Benefits
The Citizen AI Arts & Technology Fellowship is a paid fellowship.
Selected fellows will receive:
- Financial compensation through fellowship honoraria
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Access to a diverse community of artists and creatives
- Mentorship and shared learning opportunities
- Experience engaging with emerging technologies and civic innovation
- Opportunities to shape public conversations about artificial intelligence and democracy
Additional information regarding honoraria, participation expectations, and programme requirements will be provided to selected fellows.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship seeks applications from individuals working across a wide range of disciplines and creative practices.
Suitable applicants may include:
- Artists and designers
- Storytellers and writers
- Creative technologists
- Researchers and scholars
- Community organisers
- Facilitators and educators
- Cultural practitioners
- Civic engagement professionals
- Individuals with critical or alternative perspectives on technology
No technical background in artificial intelligence is required. The programme values diverse viewpoints and encourages participation from individuals with different experiences and approaches.
Fellowship Dates
The fellowship will run for one year, beginning in October 2026.
Key dates include:
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: 15 October 2026
- Fellowship End Date: 15 October 2027
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Applicants can improve their chances of success by demonstrating a genuine interest in the relationship between technology, creativity, and public participation.
Strong applications often:
- Highlight creative or community-based experience
- Demonstrate curiosity about AI and emerging technologies
- Show commitment to collaboration and public engagement
- Explain how artistic practice can contribute to civic dialogue
- Present thoughtful ideas about technology and democracy
The fellowship values both practical experience and innovative thinking.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should carefully review the official call for applications before beginning the application process.
Applicants will be required to provide personal information, contact details, and additional materials requested through the official application form.
As the fellowship is highly collaborative, applicants should be prepared to describe their creative practice, interests, and perspectives on community engagement and emerging technologies.
Eligible artists, creatives, researchers, and community practitioners should review the official fellowship guidelines and complete the online application before 30 September 2026.
