Apply Now: CivicHive Creative Changemakers Fellowship 2026
Nigerian creatives who are using their talent to spark conversations, influence public opinion and promote social change have a new opportunity to take their work further through the 2026 Creative Changemakers Fellowship (CCMF) organised by CivicHive.
The three-month fellowship is designed for emerging creatives who use storytelling, media and art to promote civic engagement, democratic participation, accountability and positive social change in Nigeria.
CivicHive says the programme recognises the growing influence of creatives in shaping public narratives and mobilising citizens, particularly at a time when misinformation, governance challenges and shrinking civic spaces continue to affect public discourse.
The 2026 cohort will select 15 emerging Nigerian creatives who have demonstrated an interest in civic and social issues and are interested in using their creative platforms to address issues that affect society.
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected fellows will participate in a combination of virtual learning, physical creative labs, mentorship and practical production activities.
The programme will provide training in areas including:
- Civic engagement and social issues in Nigeria
- Content creation and creative storytelling
- Research and data
- Media ethics
- Understanding Nigeria’s development challenges
- Using creative work to promote accountability and citizen participation
Participants will also receive mentorship from experienced Nigerian creatives while developing evidence-based creative projects focused on real-world social issues.
One of the major attractions of the programme is the monthly stipend available to fellows throughout the fellowship. Outstanding participants may also receive a soft grant to support content development.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to Nigerians who meet the following requirements:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen.
- Must have a strong interest in social and civic issues in Nigeria.
- Must have evidence of using media or creative work for mass awareness or social action.
- Must be willing to participate fully in the three-month hybrid fellowship.
- Must be available for approximately eight hours of sessions each week.
The programme is particularly relevant to emerging filmmakers, content creators, digital storytellers, writers, photographers, podcasters, artists and other creatives who want to connect their work with issues affecting society.
Fellowship Structure
The programme will run from September to November 2026, combining online sessions with in-person creative activities.
Rather than focusing solely on classroom-style training, the fellowship is structured to enable participants to put their skills into practice by creating evidence-based work around relevant civic and social issues.
CivicHive has previously used the Creative Changemakers Fellowship to bring together young filmmakers, podcasters, content creators, scriptwriters and game developers interested in using creativity to promote civic participation, transparency and accountability.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2026 Creative Changemakers Fellowship close on September 15, 2026, according to CivicHive’s latest announcement.
Interested creatives are encouraged to apply early and provide clear evidence of their creative work and how they have used their platforms to create awareness or influence positive action.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can access the application through CivicHive’s official fellowship platform.
Programme: Creative Changemakers Fellowship (CCMF) 2026
Organiser: CivicHive
Eligibility: Nigerian creatives
Duration: September–November 2026
Cohort: 15 fellows
Format: Hybrid
Support: Training, mentorship, monthly stipend and soft grant opportunities
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
The fellowship offers Nigerian creatives an opportunity to move beyond entertainment and use their voices, stories and artistic skills to influence public conversations and contribute to meaningful social change.
