The Kometa Fellows’ programme thus provides one year’s funding for the work of authors (journalists, writers or photographers) who document reality in contexts of war, censorship or severe political and social tensions. A patron funds one year’s work for each Fellow.
In 2025, Kometa already funded the work of three journalists: Dmitry Velikovsky, a Russian investigative journalist in exile; Rami Abou Jamous, a Palestinian journalist based in the Gaza Strip; and Julia Kochetova, a Ukrainian photojournalist and documentary filmmaker.
For this first 2026 call for applications, projects will focus on two themes: ‘disinformation and narrative wars’ and ‘political and social changes in the Gulf’.
Led by a jury comprising figures from the worlds of literature, media or ideas, the selection process will favour ambitious projects rooted in direct field experience and capable of producing vivid, immersive narratives. The programme is open to independent authors, with no restrictions on nationality or residence.
Any individual of legal age may apply, regardless of nationality, place of residence or age, provided they work as a journalist, documentary photographer, photojournalist or writer. A press card is not required.
Six recipients will each receive 10,000 EUR in funding. In the budget applicants need to estimate the cost of their expenditure, which can include travel, accommodation, fixer/interpreter, equipment, post-production, remuneration/working hours, and any other potential funding.
