2026 Martha Cooper Scholarship Initiative at URBAN NATION Museum, Berlin
**2026 Martha Cooper Scholarship Program at URBAN NATION Museum, Berlin**
*Empowering Future Generations of Urban Art Historians and Practitioners*
Berlin, known worldwide for its vibrant street art culture, is set to once again become the hub of urban creativity and cultural exploration with the 2026 iteration of the Martha Cooper Scholarship Program, organized by the esteemed URBAN NATION Museum. This scholarship, named in honor of the iconic photojournalist Martha Cooper—whose influential documentation of the early hip-hop and graffiti scenes in New York City played a crucial role in establishing street art as a legitimate global cultural phenomenon—provides an exceptional opportunity for budding scholars, artists, and curators who are passionate about urban contemporary art.
**About the Program**
Initiated in 2021, the Martha Cooper Scholarship Program serves as a significant effort of the URBAN NATION Museum for Urban Contemporary Art in Berlin, designed to promote academic exploration and artistic invention in the sphere of urban art. This program is bolstered by partnerships with cultural entities, academic institutions, and independent curators from across the globe.
The scholarship pays tribute to Cooper’s groundbreaking contributions to visual anthropology and street culture, and it aligns with the museum’s mission to act as a conduit for dialogue between urban art and society. Chosen scholars will have the opportunity to delve into URBAN NATION’s rich archives, exhibitions, and the intricate street art fabric of Berlin.
**Program Details**
The 2026 Martha Cooper Scholarship will provide up to six fellowships, each lasting a maximum of six months. The program invites international applicants from diverse fields including art history, cultural studies, urban sociology, media studies, anthropology, and fine arts. Preference is given to early-career researchers, postgraduates, and emerging artists who demonstrate a strong interest in urban contemporary visual culture.
Successful candidates will benefit from:
– A monthly stipend to support living expenses while in Berlin
– A travel grant to cover international travel costs
– Access to URBAN NATION’s research facilities, archives, and networks
– Mentorship in curatorial and academic practices from prominent scholars and experts
– Opportunities to contribute to exhibitions, public initiatives, or scholarly publications
– A workspace at the museum or partner institutions
**Research and Creative Focus Areas**
The 2026 program encourages projects that engage critically and creatively with the following topics:
– Histories and future trajectories of graffiti and street art
– Urban renewal and art-induced gentrification
– Visual ethnography and documentation methodologies
– Public space, activism, and community involvement
– Technological advancements in street art (e.g., AR, NFTs, digital murals)
– Intersectionality and representation within urban art forms
Participants are expected to generate a final output that encapsulates their research—this might take the form of a written thesis, documentary project, public installation, or curated exhibition. These results may be displayed at URBAN NATION following the completion of the fellowship.
**Application Timeline and Eligibility**
Applications for the 2026 cohort will open on November 15, 2024, and close on March 1, 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for online interviews in April, with final selections announced by June 2025.
To apply, candidates must submit:
– A comprehensive project proposal (maximum 1,500 words)
– Curriculum Vitae
– Two letters of recommendation
– Portfolio (for artist applicants)
– Proof of qualification (minimum BA or equivalent)
Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in German is beneficial but not required.
**About URBAN NATION Museum**
Founded in 2017, URBAN NATION Museum is the first institution solely focused on urban contemporary art. Managed by the Berliner Leben Foundation, the museum is situated in the Schöneberg district, hosting changeable exhibitions, community spaces, artist residencies, and one of the world’s most extensive collections dedicated to graffiti and street culture.
**Legacy of Martha Cooper**
Martha Cooper’s impact on art and society transcends photography; her work has been instrumental in reshaping perceptions of subcultural expressions within urban environments. Through this scholarship, her legacy continues to motivate new generations to study, document, and contribute to the continually evolving sphere of global street art culture.
**Conclusion**
The Martha Cooper Scholarship Program at URBAN NATION Museum provides an unmatched opportunity for creatives and researchers to explore one of the most lively and socially relevant art movements of our era. As the streets transform into canvases for cultural expression, the walls of Berlin—and the aspirations of future scholars—await new interpretations and innovations.
For further details and application information, please visit the official URBAN NATION Museum website at: www.urban-nation.com.