The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center's mission is to promote innovation and identify impact-oriented solutions to critical global problems. The Center, through conferences and residency programs, supports the work of scholars, artists, thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners who share in the Foundation’s pioneering mission to “promote the well-being of humanity.” The Center has a record of major impact, from meetings that led to the Green Revolution and the Global AIDS vaccine initiative, to residencies that furthered the work of Glenn Ligon. This legacy, the serene work environment on the shore of Lake Como in northern Italy, the diverse groups of people, and the promise of future achievements make Bellagio an inspiring and productive forum for fostering positive change.
Conferences
The Conference Program provides space for exchanging ideas across disciplines and geographies, engaging in focused small group interactions, and pushing creative and innovative thinking to address global challenges.
Residencies
The Residency Program offers scholars, artists, thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners a serene setting conducive to goal-oriented work as well as opportunities for establishing new connections with fellow residents and other professionals from around the world.
Bellagio Creative Arts Fellows
The Bellagio Creative Arts Fellows high profile program awards fellowships to visual artists who have demonstrated exceptional originality, work that is inspired by or related to global social issues, and who share in the Foundation's mission of promoting the well-being of humankind. The Creative Arts Fellows are nominated by an international selection committee of leading arts professionals. The Fellows are given a cash award and are invited for a residency for two months to work on a project.
Featured Residents
Tony Omwansa & Nicholas Sullivan "MPesa Mobile Money: Improving Kenyan Lives"
Nicholas Sullivan and Tonny Omwansa
Over 70% of Kenyans now use MPesa, a service that allows people in all walks of life access via mobile phones to previously inaccessible banking services. "MPesa" has become a verb in Kenya, meaning to send money, and it is common to hear colleagues say, "I'll MPesa you right away." Tonny Omwansa is a Kenyan expert on mobile technology, and Nicholas Sullivan is a CEME Senior Fellow at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.