Creative Catalyst Fellowship 2027

The Creative Catalyst Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded fellowship that supports individual artists creating original work around the theme of "Belonging." The programme is offered by the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund and aims to empower artists whose work inspires dialogue, strengthens communities, and promotes greater understanding of the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

The fellowship will select up to eight artists, with each fellow receiving a grant of up to USD 30,000 to develop and complete an original creative project. In addition to financial support, fellows become part of a year-long cohort where they receive mentorship, communications support, networking opportunities, and assistance in sharing their work with broader audiences.

About Creative Catalyst Fellowship

The Creative Catalyst Fellowship was established by the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund to support artists who use creative expression to address important social issues while encouraging civic engagement and community participation.

For the 2027 cohort, the fellowship focuses on the theme "Belonging," exploring ideas of home, identity, inclusion, agency, community, and the right of every individual to thrive. The programme recognizes that art has the power to challenge discrimination, confront racism, preserve cultural stories, and create meaningful conversations that inspire positive social change.

Rather than funding art solely for exhibition purposes, the fellowship encourages projects that can reach audiences beyond traditional galleries. Fellows are expected to produce work that engages communities and stimulates public conversations about belonging and the contributions of AAPI communities across the United States.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive several financial and professional benefits, including:

• Grant funding of up to USD 30,000.
• Participation in a year-long fellowship programme.
• Membership in a cohort of creative artists.
• Attendance at the Creative Catalyst Fellows Retreat.
• Travel and accommodation for the required retreat.
• Communications and publicity support.
• Digital promotion opportunities.
• Connections with community organisations.
• Opportunities for exhibition and public engagement.
• Ongoing peer learning and networking opportunities.
• Support in distributing completed creative work to wider audiences.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the programme requirements before applying.

Eligible applicants should:

• Be individual artists aged 18 years or older.
• Have an established creative practice.
• Propose an original project aligned with the 2027 theme of "Belonging."
• Demonstrate the ability to engage audiences through creative work.
• Show how their project connects with AAPI communities.
• Be able to participate throughout the fellowship period.
• Attend the mandatory Creative Catalyst Fellows Retreat if selected.

Previous Creative Catalyst Fellows may apply again after three years from the completion of their previous fellowship.

Projects must remain nonpartisan and comply with the charitable mission of the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund.

Available Areas Of Study

The fellowship welcomes artists working across a wide variety of creative disciplines, including:

• Visual Arts
• Photography
• Illustration
• Painting
• Printmaking
• Sculpture
• Digital Art
• Film
• Documentary
• Animation
• Audio Storytelling
• Poetry
• Creative Writing
• Comics
• Performance Art
• Multimedia Projects
• Interdisciplinary Arts

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that can effectively communicate stories of belonging while engaging diverse audiences.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following:

• Completed online application form.
• Project proposal.
• Artist biography.
• Portfolio of previous creative work.
• Budget outlining the use of fellowship funds.
• Work samples demonstrating artistic practice.
• Any additional supporting materials requested in the application guidelines.

Applicants should carefully review the official application instructions to ensure all required materials are submitted before the deadline.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on several factors, including:

• Artistic quality.
• Originality of the proposed project.
• Alignment with the fellowship theme of "Belonging."
• Potential community impact.
• Ability to engage public audiences.
• Feasibility of completing the proposed project.
• Strength of the application materials.
• Overall contribution to the goals of the fellowship.

How To Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Creative Catalyst Fellowship application page.
2. Carefully review the eligibility requirements and programme guidelines.
3. Develop a project proposal centered on the 2027 theme of "Belonging."
4. Prepare your artist portfolio and supporting documents.
5. Complete the online application form.
6. Upload all required materials.
7. Review your application thoroughly before submission.
8. Submit your application no later than October 15, 2026.

Applicants are also encouraged to attend one of the optional online information sessions scheduled for September 1 or September 4, 2026, to learn more about the fellowship and application process.