Democracy Stories Lab 2026 – Global Open Call for Creators
Democracy Stories Lab 2026 – Global Open Call for Creators
The Democracy Stories Lab invites creators from around the world to share compelling visual stories that reimagine what democracy could look and feel like when people truly have a voice in the decisions that shape their lives.
This global initiative seeks to move conversations about democracy beyond traditional policy and advocacy spaces, bringing them closer to everyday people through creative storytelling. It encourages narratives that reflect real-life experiences of voice, fairness, belonging, freedom, and shared power within communities.
The call is open to creators producing short videos, illustrations, or graphics that tell engaging stories about democracy. Submissions may be newly created or previously published works, provided they are original and align with narrative frameworks from the Democracy Narratives Alliance’s research on how to effectively communicate about democracy.
Key Dates
• Call Release: June 16, 2026
• Applications Open: July 14, 2026
• Submission Deadline: September 14, 2026
• Winners Announcement: October – November 2026
Eligibility
The call is open to individual creators and small teams globally. Applicants may come from diverse backgrounds, including civic technology, advocacy, community organizing, art, media, entertainment, or digital content creation.
The initiative particularly welcomes creators who:
• Reach audiences beyond traditional democracy or policy spaces
• Offer fresh and creative perspectives on voice, power, and participation
• Represent communities that are often underrepresented in public discourse
Awards
Selected participants will receive the following:
• Four winning entries: USD $1,000 each
• Five honorable mentions: USD $500 each
Winners will also benefit from global exposure through amplification across the networks of People Powered and the Democracy Narratives Alliance, including participation in a global screening event.
About the Initiative
The Democracy Stories Lab is an initiative by People Powered, a global hub for participatory democracy, in partnership with the Democracy Narratives Alliance. The program itself reflects democratic values, having been selected through People Powered’s participatory budgeting process, PP Decides.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official page for full details and application access:
Applicants are encouraged to subscribe for updates and prepare submissions ahead of the application opening date.
