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Anna Filipova for The New York TimesA member of the SvalSat team removed snow from an antenna dome.

Anna Filipova for The New York Times

Eyebeam Center for the Future of Journalism

The Eyebeam Center for the Future of Journalism (ECFJ) is an experimental grant-making program that supports artists and artist-journalist teams producing innovative and revelatory journalistic work for major media outlets.

Underwritten by Craig Newmark Philanthropies, ECFJ is the first initiative of its kind to directly facilitate artists’ major media commissions in the realm of journalism. With the belief that artists are central in the invention and design of our shared future, and also critical in shifting public debate, ECFJ supports the execution of pieces that focus on reimagining the way stories are told, particularly around technology and society.

The funds distributed to grantees assist with research, travel, and other expenses many media outlets struggle to cover, allowing stories that are often out of reach in today’s climate to be produced.

ECFJ Storiesecfj-stories

A collection of articles supported by Eyebeam Center for the Future of Journalism as seen in The Atlantic, Gizmodo, The Nation, The New York Review of Books, and Wired.

Supportsupport

The inaugural year of this program has been supported by Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

Subsequently, transformative support from Omidyar Network has allowed new expansion and growth together with ongoing and anchoring support from CN Philanthropies.

“Sometimes artists can express truths much more effectively than anyone can with straight explanation. We’re hoping that can be a means to counter disinformation used against us all.”

—Craig Newmark

In the Pressin-the-press

An Investigation Into Uighur Detention Camps Funded by Eyebeam Art and Technology Center Has Won a Pulitzer Prize via Art Net News 

How to block Big Tech with Kashmir Hill via NBC News 

Trying to cut tech giants out of your life is even harder than you think via Marketplace 

Why We Can’t Break Up With Big Tech via NPR

Can Artists Be Journalists? A New York Non-Profit Thinks the News Industry Would Benefit From Artists’ Involvement via Frieze

Eyebeam Center Invites Artists to Delve Into Journalism via The New York Times

Eyebeam Launches Arts Grant Program for Journalistic Projects via Artforum

The Founder of Craigslist Is Funding a Program That Pays Artists to Pursue Journalism via artnet

NY nonprofit offers grants to artists producing journalism via AP News

FAQfaq

What does a “letter from an editor” look like? And how can I get one?  

A “letter from an editor” can be very simple. It should contain the name of the publication (ideally on the company’s letterhead), the type of commissioned piece, and the expected publication date. It should be signed by your commissioning editor. Most editors will provide letters of support for an application of this nature. Should they have questions, please have them email: ecfj@eyebeam.org with the subject line “Editor Question”.

Where is the ECFJ application?

We are currently in a moment of introspection and deliberation regarding the program. We ask that you revisit this page for more news about applying in winter 2023. We will also make a related announcement on eyebeam.org and in our social channels at that time.

What does an editor look for in a pitch?

A recent Nieman Reports article details this so well, we think it should answer all of your questions related to successful pitching. View the article here.

Can you help me find a media organization or editor for my piece?

At this time, ECFJ is not connecting ideas/pitches to editors. You should be able find all you need in these FAQs to help guide you in that process.

How do I identify the right outlet for my story?

There are a lot of wonderful publications out there that have and continue to work with non-traditional reporters. The best way to identify the publication you see as supporting your pitch is to research where pieces like the one you are proposing are being published. Ask yourself: Is this a subject that the publication has supported in the past? Is the format I am proposing something the publication has commissioned previously? Also, keep in mind, you don’t want to pitch something too similar to something recently commissioned. Always check the archives before sending in the pitch.

How do I reach out to an editor?  

Very often editor’s emails are available via their social media profiles. And most publications have general email addresses for pitching on their sites.

Do I qualify for this? Do you only consider written articles?

Artists of all disciplines are invited to apply. Publications have editors that are focused on a variety of pieces. If you are pitching a photo series, for instance, connect with the photo editor. Or if your idea is for a specific part of a publication, reach out to the editor that oversees that section. If an idea is a good fit, more often than not an editor will pass it along to the appropriate colleague if it doesn’t fall under their purview. Additionally, journalists of all disciplines are invited to jointly apply with an artist.

Does ECFJ accept reviews of art works or shows as submissions?

At the moment, ECFJ is not accepting applications for reviews.

Who should I add for my reference letter/contact?  

For this section, we would love to have the name of someone you may have worked with in the past, and can discuss your professional relationship, if necessary. You can either include a letter or just their email address and we may reach out to them during the review process.

What are some examples of artists’ work that have been published in major news media?  

Here are some stellar examples of different kinds of pieces produced by artists for publications:

Still looking for more information?  

You may email  ecfj@eyebeam.org

Eyebeam models a new approach to artist-led creation for the public good; we are a non-profit that provides significant professional support and money to exceptional artists for the realization of important ideas that wouldn’t exist otherwise. Nobody else is doing this.

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