The AAPI Civic Engagement Fund has opened applications for the 2027 Creative Catalyst Fellowship, a yearlong programme supporting individual artists whose creative work engages the public around critical issues affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.
The fellowship provides selected artists with financial resources, professional support, and opportunities to connect their creative practice with civic participation and social justice. Up to eight artists will be selected, with each Fellow receiving a $30,000 award to develop and produce work capable of reaching broader audiences and encouraging meaningful public conversations.
The theme for the 2027 fellowship is “Belonging.”
2027 Fellowship Theme: Belonging
The 2027 Creative Catalyst Fellowship centres on belonging as a concept connected to community, home, agency, inclusion, and the right of communities to flourish.
The AAPI Civic Engagement Fund views belonging as an important counterweight to racism and violence and as part of a broader vision of inclusion. The programme recognises the significant contributions AAPI communities have made to the United States and seeks to support artistic work that can deepen understanding of these experiences.
Through the fellowship, artists will have the freedom and resources to develop original work while exploring how art can contribute to civic engagement and social change.
Fellowship Benefits
Each selected Fellow will receive $30,000 to produce an artistic project connected to the 2027 theme.
In addition to financial support, Fellows will receive opportunities for professional development, peer learning, communications assistance, and promotion of their completed work.
Programme support may include:
- Participation in a Creative Catalyst Fellows cohort focused on peer learning and knowledge sharing.
- A two-day, in-person Creative Catalyst Fellows retreat.
- Travel and accommodation coverage for the required retreat.
- Virtual check-ins throughout the fellowship year.
- Communications support from an experienced consultant.
- Assistance with publicity and local or national media opportunities.
- Digital advertising to promote completed projects.
- Introductions to AAPI organisations that may use the artwork for charitable purposes.
- Support with exhibition opportunities, including galleries, shows, and other appropriate venues.
- Assistance with producing and distributing promotional materials such as posters, books, calendars, and stickers.
The fellowship is designed to help independent artists develop their work while creating pathways for their projects to reach communities and broader public audiences.
Fellowship Requirements
The Creative Catalyst Fellowship runs for one year, from January through December 2027.
Selected Fellows will be expected to:
- Attend a virtual orientation at the beginning of the programme.
- Participate in the required in-person Creative Catalyst Fellows retreat from 16–18 February 2027.
- Participate in virtual check-ins throughout the fellowship.
- Complete and submit a Narrative Report.
- Complete the supported artwork by 15 August 2027.
The location of the 2027 retreat will be announced later. The AAPI Civic Engagement Fund will cover travel and accommodation expenses associated with the retreat.
Fellows may also be invited to participate in AAPI Fund events and showcase their work. Participation in these additional activities is optional.
Who Can Apply?
The Creative Catalyst Fellowship is intended for individual artists whose work can engage audiences around important issues facing AAPI communities and contribute to civic participation.
Applicants are encouraged to review the programme’s Frequently Asked Questions and eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Previously awarded Creative Catalyst Fellows may reapply three years after completing their previous fellowship.
Applicants who have questions about eligibility or require additional information can contact the programme team using the designated fellowship enquiry channel.
Application Timeline
The 2027 Creative Catalyst Fellowship follows a defined application and programme schedule.
Important dates include:
- 13 August 2026: Call for submissions opens.
- 1 September 2026: Optional information webinar, 3:00–4:00 PM PT.
- 4 September 2026: Optional information webinar, 12:00–1:00 PM PT.
- 15 October 2026: Application deadline at 11:59 PM PT.
- 14 January 2027: Fellowship announcement.
- 16–18 February 2027: Required Creative Catalyst Fellows retreat.
- 15 August 2027: Target date for artwork completion.
- August–December 2027: Promotion and distribution of completed artwork.
The information webinars will introduce prospective applicants to the fellowship and explain the application process. Interested artists are strongly encouraged to attend one of the optional sessions.
Opportunity for Artists
The Creative Catalyst Fellowship provides artists with more than direct financial support. It creates a platform through which creative work can contribute to conversations about identity, community, inclusion, social justice, and civic participation.
By combining funding, peer learning, communications support, community connections, and opportunities for public distribution, the programme seeks to help independent artists translate creative ideas into work capable of reaching and engaging wider audiences.
Applications for the 2027 Creative Catalyst Fellowship are open, with submissions due by 15 October 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
