Apply for the Creative Catalyst Fellowship 2027 from the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund - a year-long programme for individual artists whose work engages the public on critical issues facing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and can catalyse civic participation.
Up to eight artists will each receive $30,000 to produce work around the 2027 theme: Belonging. Applications close Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 11:59 pm PT.
Quick Facts - Creative Catalyst Fellowship 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Creative Catalyst Fellowship 2027 |
| Organisation | AAPI Civic Engagement Fund |
| Country | United States (cohort-based; retreat in person) |
| Theme | Belonging - community, home, agency, and the right for communities to flourish |
| Awards | Up to 8 artists |
| Award amount | $30,000 per fellow |
| Fellowship period | January - December 2027 |
| Eligibility | Individual artists aged 18+ (organisations cannot apply) |
| Deadline | 15 October 2026, 11:59 pm PT |
| Official apply | 2027 Open Call - AAPI Civic Engagement Fund |
What the Fellowship Supports
The Fund is looking for artist-led work that connects with AAPI communities: projects grounded in lived experience, shaped by cultural perspectives, and built to reach new audiences. Portable, reproducible work is strongly preferred.
They 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
They cannot fund: feature-length film, fully staged theatre, dance works, community events that need extended rehearsal infrastructure, or projects that depend on large-scale or fixed physical installations. If your practice is in these areas, show how it can be adapted into something concise and shareable.
Who Can Apply
- Individual artists only - organisations are not eligible
- Must be 18 or older
- No U.S. citizenship requirement. Selected fellows submit a W-9 (U.S. citizens/resident aliens) or a W-8BEN (applicants outside the United States)
- Previous Creative Catalyst Fellows may reapply three years after completing their last fellowship
- Unsuccessful applicants may reapply (note the year you last applied)
- You may submit more than one proposal, but only one proposal per applicant will be funded
What Fellows Receive
- $30,000 to produce the proposed artwork
- A year-long cohort with peer sharing and learning
- Communications consultation and promotion of the finished work
- Travel and accommodation covered for the required in-person retreat
Fellow Requirements
- Attend a virtual orientation at the start of the programme
- Attend the in-person Creative Catalyst Fellows Retreat, 16 - 18 February 2027 (location to be confirmed; travel and lodging covered)
- Participate in virtual check-ins throughout the fellowship
- Submit a narrative report
- Complete artwork by 15 August 2027
Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Call opens | 13 August 2026 |
| Optional info webinars | 1 September 2026, 3 - 4 pm PT; 4 September 2026, 12 - 1 pm PT |
| Applications due | 15 October 2026, 11:59 pm PT |
| Fellowship announcement | 14 January 2027 |
| Fellows retreat (required) | 16 - 18 February 2027 |
| Artwork completed | 15 August 2027 |
| Promotion of completed work | August - December 2027 |
How to Apply
- Read the official 2027 open call and fellowship FAQ.
- Optional: attend an information webinar on 1 or 4 September 2026 (registration is on the open-call page).
- Prepare up to five work samples in a single PDF (include website or portfolio links in the PDF).
- Complete the official online application form from the open-call page before 15 October 2026, 11:59 pm PT.
Questions: email the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund with the subject line “CC inquiry” (contact details are on the official site).
Official Links
Apply - 2027 Creative Catalyst Fellowship Open Call
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FAQs - Creative Catalyst Fellowship 2027
What is the application deadline?
Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
How much is the award?
Up to eight artists each receive $30,000.
Can organisations apply?
No. The fellowship is for individual artists only.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
No. Selected fellows must submit a W-9 or W-8BEN, depending on tax status.
Can I apply if I was a fellow before?
Previous fellows may reapply three years after completing their last fellowship.
Where do I apply?
Through the official open call: https://aapifund.org/2027-creative-catalyst-fellowship-open-call/
