Applications are now open for the 2027 Creative Catalyst Fellowship, an opportunity for individual artists whose work engages the public on important issues affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.
The fellowship is organised by the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund. It supports artists who use creative work to encourage public discussion and civic participation.
For the 2027 cycle, up to eight artists will each receive $30,000 to develop and complete their proposed creative projects.
Moreover, the programme focuses on the theme “Belonging.” The theme explores community, home, agency, inclusion, and the right of communities to thrive.
Therefore, artists with strong ideas that can connect with wider audiences are encouraged to consider applying.
What the Creative Catalyst Fellowship Supports
The programme gives independent artists the freedom and resources to develop meaningful creative work.
The organisers want art that can reach beyond traditional art audiences. In addition, the work should encourage people to think, discuss important issues, and take part in civic life.
The programme can support different forms of creative expression. Previous Creative Catalyst projects have included documentaries, animation, comics, music, poetry, games, portrait series, and other forms of interdisciplinary art.
As a result, applicants do not need to limit themselves to one artistic format.
Instead, the key is to present a strong idea that connects with the fellowship theme and has the potential to create public impact.
2027 Fellowship Theme: Belonging
The central theme for the 2027 cycle is Belonging.
Belonging can mean having a sense of community, home, identity, agency, and inclusion. It also speaks to the right of communities to live, grow, and participate fully in society.
The AAPI Civic Engagement Fund views creative work as a powerful way to explore these ideas. Art can tell personal stories, challenge stereotypes, preserve history, and create space for meaningful conversations.
Therefore, applicants should consider how their proposed work can explore belonging while connecting with wider public issues.
The AAPI Fund has previously supported projects that explore identity, cultural memory, displacement, community, and other experiences within AAPI communities.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The fellowship is designed for individual artists.
Applicants should have a strong creative practice and a project idea that can engage the public around issues connected to the fellowship theme.
The previous fellowship FAQ states that organisations could not apply because the programme was designed for individual artists. It also stated that applicants had to be at least 18 years old and that artists could apply across different creative mediums. Applicants should, however, review the current 2027 FAQ because eligibility rules can change between application cycles.
International artists should also check the current eligibility guidance carefully before applying. The previous FAQ stated that there was no U.S. citizenship requirement, although additional requirements could apply to international applicants.
What Selected Artists Will Receive
Selected fellows will receive $30,000 to produce their proposed work.
However, the financial award is only one part of the opportunity.
Fellows can also benefit from professional and promotional support throughout the programme.
Creative Retreat
Fellows will attend a two-day, in-person retreat from February 16 to 18, 2027.
The location will be announced later. The AAPI Fund will cover travel and accommodation for the retreat.
The retreat will give artists an opportunity to meet other fellows, share ideas, learn from one another, and connect their creative practice with wider social issues.
Communications Support
Selected artists may receive support from an experienced communications consultant.
This support can help bring attention to their work through local and national media.
Digital Promotion
The programme may also provide digital advertising to help promote completed projects and the wider mission of the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund.
Community Connections
Fellows may receive introductions to AAPI organisations that could use their work for charitable purposes.
These connections can help artists reach new audiences and build relationships with community organisations.
Exhibition Support
The programme may also help fellows find opportunities to showcase their work in galleries, exhibitions, shows, or other venues.
Priority may be given to venues with experience presenting socially engaged art.
Reproduction and Distribution
The fellowship may support the creation and distribution of items such as posters, books, calendars, and stickers.
These materials can help extend the reach of the completed work.
Fellowship Responsibilities
The programme runs from January to December 2027.
Selected fellows must take part in several activities during the year.
These include:
- Attend a virtual orientation at the beginning of the programme.
- Attend the required two-day Creative Catalyst retreat from February 16–18, 2027.
- Take part in virtual check-ins throughout the fellowship.
- Complete and submit a Narrative Report.
- Complete the final artwork by August 15, 2027.
Fellows may also receive invitations to AAPI Fund events or opportunities to showcase their work. However, attendance at these optional events may not be required.
2027 Creative Catalyst Fellowship Timeline
Applicants should keep the following dates in mind:
| Activity | Date |
| Applications open | August 13, 2026 |
| Information webinar | September 1, 2026 |
| Second information webinar | September 4, 2026 |
| Fellowship announcement | January 14, 2027 |
| Fellows retreat | February 16–18, 2027 |
| Artwork completion deadline | August 15, 2027 |
| Promotion of completed artwork | August–December 2027 |
| Fellowship period | January–December 2027 |
The application deadline is Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time (PT).
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.
If you are looking for other funding and fellowship opportunities, explore the latest opportunities on OpportunityLab.net.
How to Apply for the 2027 Creative Catalyst Fellowship
Interested artists should complete the official online application form.
Before applying, applicants should carefully review the fellowship’s current eligibility requirements and application questions.
The previous application process asked artists to provide information about themselves, their creative work, their chosen theme, their proposed project, expected impact, project timeline, and work samples.
For the 2027 cycle, applicants should use the current application instructions rather than relying only on previous questions.
Prepare Your Creative Proposal
Start by developing a clear project idea.
Explain what you want to create and why the project matters.
Also, show how the work connects with Belonging and the experiences or issues affecting AAPI communities.
Explain Your Expected Impact
Next, describe the change you hope your project can create.
Think about the people you want to reach and the conversation you want your work to start.
A strong proposal should show more than artistic ability. It should also explain why the project can connect with a wider audience.
Prepare Your Work Samples
Select strong examples of your previous work.
Your samples should help the selection team understand your creative skills and the quality of your work.
Therefore, choose pieces that best represent your artistic voice and experience.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the sessions if they need more information about the programme.
For the official programme information, visit the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund Creative Catalyst Fellowship page.
If you are an individual artist with a strong project idea connected to Belonging, this fellowship could provide the funding, network, and public support needed to take your work further.
Prepare your proposal early, review the eligibility rules, select strong work samples, and submit your application before the deadline.
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