About the Fellowship
The Creative Catalyst Fellowship supports individual artists creating work centered on Belonging: a sense of community, home, agency, and the essential right for our communities to flourish. Belonging is a counterweight to racism and violence and can advance a vision for the inclusion and recognition of the ways Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have shaped and contributed to this country. Art speaks to us, feels our pain, paints our dreams, and opens our minds in profound new ways. It has a way of breaking through. Our goal is to give independent artists the resources and freedom to do their art, in a way that also lets us put that art to work in the world.
Up to eight artists will each receive $30,000 to produce work with the potential to break through to broader audiences and spark conversations around this year’s theme.
The Project & Theme
What art mediums are eligible?
We’re looking for artist-led work that connects with AAPI communities: projects grounded in life experiences, shaped by cultural perspectives, and built to break through to new audiences. We’re drawn to work that’s portable and reproducible.
We fund:
- Visual art (printmaking, illustration, photography, modular installations)
- Digital and media-based work (short-form video, audio storytelling)
- Written and narrative forms (poetry, zines, narratives)
- Hybrid or interdisciplinary work built for public engagement
We’re unable to fund feature-length film, fully staged theater, dance works, community events requiring extended rehearsal infrastructure, or projects dependent on large-scale or fixed physical installations. If your practice touches these areas, we’re still interested; show us how the work can be adapted into something concise and shareable.
Are there any restrictions on project topics?
Yes. As a nonpartisan nonprofit, we cannot fund projects that advocate for or against a candidate for elected or appointed office, or that constitute lobbying under IRS regulations.
Should projects address elections and voting?
This isn’t required. If a project does touch on elections or voting, it must remain nonpartisan and cannot reference specific candidates. For example, “vote for Candidate A” or “vote against Candidate B” is prohibited, while general messaging like “get out and vote to have your voice heard” is allowed. More guidance is available here.
Can the project be a version of a pre-existing project, or part of a larger one?
We prefer standalone projects.
Does the artist retain ownership of the artwork?
Yes. The AAPI Fund requires the right to reproduce the artwork as part of its charitable activities. If you plan to collaborate with other artists outside the Fellowship, please let us know about any potential constraints.
Fellowship Requirements
What role do artists have in distribution and publicity?
Artists are not the only ones responsible for distribution and publicity. Our communications partner, Change Consulting, provides direct support to each selected fellow.
Besides producing the final artwork, what else is required of fellows?
Fellows are required to:
- Attend a virtual orientation at the start of the program
- Attend a two-day, in-person Creative Catalyst Fellows retreat on February 16 – 18, 2027 (location to be finalized; the AAPI Fund covers travel and accommodations)
- Participate in virtual check-ins throughout the Fellowship
- Submit a Narrative Report
Fellows may also be invited to AAPI Fund events and asked to showcase their art, though attendance at these is optional.
Who Can Apply
Are organizations eligible to apply?
No. The Fellowship is designed for individual artists only.
Are international artists eligible to apply?
No.
Is there a U.S. citizenship requirement?
No. However, selected Fellows must submit either a W-9 (for U.S. citizens or resident aliens) or a W-8BEN (for applicants outside the United States).
Can minors apply?
No. Applicants must be 18 or older.
Application Process
Is there a word limit on the application questions?
Yes. See the application for specific limits. We recommend keeping responses clear and concise.
Can I view the application questions without going through the Google Form?
Yes. A sample version of all questions is available here.
Can I submit a website or portfolio instead of uploading files?
We accept up to five examples of work that relate to your proposed project or reflect the type of work you are proposing in the form of one single PDF. Please include website or portfolio links in the PDF.
What kind of work samples should I submit?
Samples that showcase your skills and past work, and help us assess both the strength of your proposal and your capacity to complete the project.
Are examples of past funded projects available?
Yes. See past projects here.
Who is on the selection committee?
The committee includes independent artists (among them past Creative Catalyst Fellows) and AAPI Fund staff, all with deep experience in cultural arts.
Can I submit more than one project proposal?
Yes, but we will fund only one proposal per applicant.
If I wasn’t selected, can I reapply
Yes. Please indicate this in your application form and include the year you last applied.