Deadline: 01-Apr-2026
The Counter Histories Fellowship supports photographers and artists engaging with Puerto Rico and its diaspora to reframe history and address urgent contemporary issues. Fellows receive a $10,000 project development grant, participate in virtual programming, and attend an in-person symposium, fostering professional development, collaboration, and the creation of visual archives.
About the Fellowship
Counter Histories is designed to help artists and photographers expand and complete projects that challenge historical narratives, center local perspectives, and explore Puerto Rican identity.
The program emphasizes:
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Strengthening photography as a tool for collective memory
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Supporting projects focused on Puerto Rico and the diaspora
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Promoting visual storytelling that reframes history and engages contemporary concerns
Fellowship Details
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Grant Amount: $10,000 per participant
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Number of Fellows: Up to 8
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Duration: 8 months (June 2026 – February 2027)
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Virtual Programming: 25–30 hours total, max 4 hours per month
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In-Person Symposium: Likely February 2027, all travel expenses covered
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Languages: English and Spanish (translation provided)
Program Components
Virtual Activities
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Guest presentations
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Working groups
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Community-building sessions
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Curatorial advising
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Professional development workshops
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Project feedback from mentors and peers
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Optional individual sessions with experts
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Creative collaborations with other fellows
In-Person Symposium
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Culminating public presentation
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Networking opportunities with peers, mentors, and curators
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Travel expenses fully covered
Project Eligibility
Projects must:
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Be rooted in photography
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Focus on Puerto Rico or the Puerto Rican diaspora
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Engage with the Counter Histories theme
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Include visual outputs (photography, archives, or creative reworkings)
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Reach a significant stage or completion by the end of the fellowship
Eligible project types include:
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New photographic production
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Creative responses to existing archives
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Assembling artist-generated archives
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Activating a photographer’s own archive
Written research may complement the project, but visual outputs are the primary focus.
Who Can Apply
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All skill levels welcome: self-taught artists, students, and professionals
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No formal education or prior experience required
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Applicants from any nationality are eligible
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Fellowship encourages applications from historically underrepresented communities in photography
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Applicants must commit to full participation and contributing to the fellowship community
Why This Fellowship Matters
The program offers:
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Financial support to advance or complete photography projects
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Mentorship and professional development tailored to the participant’s project needs
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Collaborative networking with a diverse, intergenerational cohort
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A platform to reframe historical narratives through photography and visual storytelling
How to Apply / What to Do
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Develop a photography-based project focusing on Puerto Rico or its diaspora
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Engage with the Counter Histories theme, exploring historical, cultural, or social perspectives
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Prepare a project proposal highlighting intended outputs, visual approach, and project goals
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Demonstrate commitment to full participation in virtual programming and the in-person symposium
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Submit your application following the program’s guidelines and deadlines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting projects not rooted in photography
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Ignoring the Counter Histories theme
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Proposing projects that are unlikely to reach a significant stage within the fellowship duration
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Underestimating the importance of participation and community engagement
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Failing to demonstrate how the project centers Puerto Rican perspectives
FAQs
What is the Counter Histories Fellowship?
A program supporting photographers and artists creating visual projects about Puerto Rico and its diaspora while reframing historical narratives.
How much funding is provided?
Fellows receive $10,000 in project development funding.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship runs for eight months, from June 2026 to February 2027.
Is prior experience required?
No. The fellowship welcomes self-taught artists, students, and professionals of all experience levels.
What are the participation requirements?
Fellows must attend virtual programming (max 4 hours/month) and the in-person symposium in February 2027.
Can applicants be from outside Puerto Rico?
Yes. Applicants from any nationality are eligible, with encouragement for those from underrepresented communities in photography.
What types of projects are eligible?
Projects should be photography-focused, exploring Puerto Rican identity, archives, or creative reworkings under the Counter Histories theme.
Final Takeaway
The Counter Histories Fellowship 2026 provides photographers and artists with funding, mentorship, and a collaborative platform to create projects that challenge historical representation and center Puerto Rican perspectives. With support for both virtual engagement and an in-person symposium, fellows can advance impactful, visually-driven storytelling while connecting with a diverse, intergenerational creative community.
For more information, visit Magnum Foundation.
