The Brown Institute for Media Innovation at Columbia Journalism School is pleased to announce the second annual Marco Castro Cosio Media Art and Technology Fellowship. This award provides fiscal sponsorship of $10,000 and a residency at the Brown Institute at Columbia Journalism School. It aims to support emerging creators and researchers dedicated to impactful, interdisciplinary work in tech, media, and the arts. Candidates from all professional backgrounds are welcome to apply.
This fellowship celebrates Marco’s legacy of bringing purpose and fresh perspectives to every one of his projects. Marco’s career and curiosity led him from museums, to educational institutions, to the sustainability arm of a major, global corporation. In each venue, he fostered deep connections between individuals from very different disciplines to tackle critical and complex challenges like climate change and inequality through tech, media, and the arts. His background in digital media and his exploration of intersectionality and intentionality made him a trusted advisor and inspiring collaborator.
The First Marco Castro Cosio Fellowship
Last year, our inaugural fellow, Lorena (Lolo) Ostia, exemplified this spirit through her exploration of shared histories between Mexico and Peru, working with biomaterials and ancestral knowledge systems.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be the inaugural recipient of the Marco Castro Cosio Fellowship – an opportunity that has not only shaped my practice but transformed my view of ancestral knowledge and vital need to keep this wisdom alive,” said Lolo.
Over the last few months, Lolo has been researching pre-Hispanic pigments for textile dyes in Peru and Mexico, working alongside the Shipibo-Konibo community in Ucayali, Peru and Maestros Tintoreros in Soyaniquilpan, Mexico. She is now in the process of identifying a venue to share the work and research that this fellowship has made possible. Some of the process can be found on her instagram @loloostia. If you have questions or want to learn more about her work, message Lolo on Instagram or write to us at browninstitute@columbia.edu to be put in contact.
Fellows will be encouraged to follow Marco’s spirit of interdisciplinary exploration, inclusivity and innovation, from project ideation through to final implementation.
“It has been very heartwarming to receive notes from people who knew Marco and continue his legacy,” said Lolo.
2025-2026 Applications
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.
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. This can include travel, living expenses, equipment costs, and any 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.