MNN | Data Stories Residency

Data Stories Residency

Turning Insights Into Stories That Move People

Across New England, community organizations, researchers, and advocacy campaigns collect powerful data on issues shaping everyday life — from education and housing to healthcare and economic opportunity. Too often, those insights remain buried in reports and research documents, never reaching the broader public in ways that inspire understanding, engagement, or action.

The Data Stories Residency was created to help change that.

This inaugural six-month hybrid residency brings together a cohort of 10 data-driven leaders from across the New England region to transform research and insights into compelling, professionally produced storytelling projects designed to engage audiences and spark dialogue.

Through a combination of virtual development, creative mentorship, and hands-on production support, residents will work alongside Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) mentors, creative partners, and technical production teams to shape narratives that make complex information accessible, human, and impactful.

Program Structure

Phase 1 | Virtual Training & Project Development

June 22 – July 31, 2026

During the virtual development phase, residents collaborate with MNN mentors and creative agency partners to shape their storytelling projects through:

• Data interpretation and narrative development
• Creative concepting and story design
• Production planning and pre-visualization

Participants engage in weekly sessions, mentoring conversations, and creative workshops focused on translating research into meaningful public storytelling.

Phase 2 | In-Person Production Residency

August 10 – 14, 2026
Location: MNN W38 Studios, New York City

Residents convene at MNN’s state-of-the-art W38 Studios in New York City for an immersive week-long production intensive.

During the residency, participants work directly with MNN’s creative and technical production staff to:

• Film interviews and visual content
• Produce and refine narrative projects
• Edit and finalize completed works

The residency provides residents with access to professional studios, production resources, and collaborative support designed to bring each project to completion.

Phase 3 | Hybrid Campaign Distribution Launch

Fall 2026

Completed projects will launch through a coordinated distribution campaign designed to amplify stories across strategic media, community, and partner channels.

Intended Outcomes

The Data Stories Residency aims to:

• Produce 10 professionally developed storytelling projects
• Increase storytelling and communications capacity for participating organizations and leaders
• Foster collaboration between researchers, community organizations, creatives, and media professionals
• Expand public engagement with critical issues affecting communities across New England

About the Partners

Nellie Mae Education Foundation

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation (NMEF) is a place-based funder working across the six New England states. The foundation supports community-driven approaches that strengthen education ecosystems and advance opportunities for young people and families through collaboration, learning, and innovation.

Manhattan Neighborhood Network

For more than 33 years, Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) has been a home for activism, community, and media — a place where truth finds a voice and movements gain the power of visibility. As the nation’s largest community media organization, MNN provides thousands of residents annually with free and equitable access to media tools, training, production resources, and distribution platforms.

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