The Bay Area is renowned for its innovative approach to storytelling and outreach, with the current AI boom, but also virtual and augmented reality, crowdsourcing, open access, and data-driven storytelling. Swissnex San Francisco is located in close proximity to several leading organizations, including the San Francisco Chronicle, OpenAI, Autodesk, Google, Meta, Adobe PLOS, UC Berkeley, KQED, and Stanford University.

Our mission is to inspire novel approaches in communication and journalism that drive public dialogue, promote new ways of thinking, and empower citizens to make informed decisions. We aim to create an exchange platform between local experts and Swiss communicators, and ignite conversations among different audiences.

A 2-week multimedia lab from August 12 to August 23 that can be extended to three months residency, which includes the following support:

• A 2-week intensive curriculum with local experts in journalism and multimedia storytelling.
• Daily group workshops where participants will experience new technologies like generative AI firsthand and learn how to apply them to their projects.
• Public events, expert talks and site visits. Participants will also gain insights into the latest advancements, and engage in discussions on topics relevant to the future of journalism.
• Individual support with Swissnex staff to set program goals and facilitate introductions to relevant contacts, as well as with external local mentors, prior and during the multimedia lab.
• Visibility: Opportunity to participate in public events and activities to showcase projects and interact with the local community of journalists. In addition, you’ll be featured on Swissnex SF’s social media platforms and website.
• Desk space within Swissnex in San Francisco, access to meeting rooms and shared resources.
• Financial support: Available to selected applicants, funded by the Gebert Rüf Stiftung.
  Covers travel and accommodation for a duration of two weeks or more. The amount varies from CHF 3’000.– (for a 2-week stay) to CHF 4’000.– (for a 4-12 week stay) to cover travel and accommodation costs.

We are looking for individuals with an innovative, bold, and inspiring vision for journalism. Candidates should preferably be currently working on a specific multimedia project that they want to develop throughout the program. The ideal participant will have a cross-disciplinary approach to their work, leverage innovative technology to reach new audiences, and show the willingness to create engaging and impactful experiences and multimedia productions. Candidates should also be ready to take part in public events.

The 2024 Multimedia Lab for Journalists is designed for:

• Journalists.
• Journalism students and PhD in Journalism and Communication students.
• Multimedia storytellers.

To be eligible for the program:

• Journalists must be affiliated with a Swiss print or online editorial office, based in Switzerland or abroad.
• Preference for permanent staff over contract-based freelancers.
• Candidates must apply with a well-defined and concrete project they would like to further develop.

For selected applicants:

• Program tuition is free.
• You will receive a stipend funded by the Gebert Rüf Stiftung, from CHF 3’000.– (for a 2-week stay) to CHF 4’000.– (for a 4-12 week stay) to cover travel and accommodation costs.

For applicants who have not been selected:

• If you have not been selected for the stipend but you meet the majority of the eligibility criteria, we will notify you.
• You can still participate in the program but you would be responsible for covering your own costs.
• Tuition is CHF 2’000.– for the 2-week program.

• Submit your application via this LINK. If suitable, we’ll ask you to interview, and request additional information.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until April 19th, 2024.

Send any inquiries to:

Alicia Rieckhoff
Creative Industries Program Manager
Swissnex San Francisco

March 14, 2024: Application opens.
April 19, 2024: Application closes.
Mid May: Selected applicants notified.
August 12, 2024 to August 23, 2024: 2024 Multimedia Lab for Journalists