Creative Catalyst Fellowship 2027 | Call for Applications

Applications are open for the Creative Catalyst Fellowship 2027. The AAPI Civic Engagement Fund hosts this annual artist program. It supports individual artists exploring critical issues facing AAPI communities. This year’s theme centers on belonging, community, and inclusion. Up to eight artists will each receive a substantial fellowship award. Selected fellows join a supportive cohort throughout the yearlong program.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: AAPI Civic Engagement Fund
• Award Amount: $30,000 per selected artist
• Fellows Selected: Up to eight artists
• Program Duration: January through December 2027
• Application Deadline: October 15, 2026, 11:59 PM PT

Program Theme and Purpose

This year’s theme explores belonging as community, home, and agency. Belonging counters racism and violence within American society broadly. It also recognizes how AAPI communities have shaped the nation. The fund seeks artist-led work grounded in lived experience. Ideal projects are portable, reproducible, and capable of reaching wide audiences. Artists work across mediums, from poetry to animation and documentary film.

Fellowship Requirements

Selected fellows must attend a virtual orientation at the program’s start. They’ll also join a required two-day retreat in February 2027. The AAPI Fund fully covers all retreat travel and lodging costs. Throughout the year, fellows participate in regular virtual check-ins. By the program’s end, each fellow submits a narrative report. Some fellows may also showcase work at optional AAPI Fund events.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify. There’s no U.S. citizenship requirement for this fellowship. However, selected fellows must submit appropriate tax documentation afterward. Previous fellows may reapply three years after completing an earlier fellowship.

Support Fellows Receive

Beyond the $30,000 award, fellows gain valuable promotional support. This includes professional communications consulting to secure media coverage. The fund also provides digital advertising for finished artistic works. Fellows receive introductions to relevant AAPI community organizations too. Additionally, the program helps place work in galleries and exhibition venues.

How to Apply

Complete the official application form before the October deadline. Optional informational webinars are available in early September 2026.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers a rare combination of meaningful funding, creative freedom, and real promotional support for AAPI artists. It’s especially valuable for those creating socially engaged work with the potential to reach broad audiences. Interested artists should attend an informational webinar if possible, then submit a strong, theme-aligned application before the October 15 deadline.

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