Creative Catalyst Fellowship: Supporting Artists Focused on Belonging

The Creative Catalyst Fellowship is offering a significant opportunity for individual artists to create work centered on the theme of “Belonging.” This fellowship aims to provide artists with the financial resources and creative freedom needed to produce art that explores community, home, agency, and the right for communities to thrive. The program specifically seeks to support artists whose work connects with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, fostering a deeper understanding and recognition of their contributions.

Understanding the Fellowship’s Focus on Belonging

The concept of “Belonging” is central to this fellowship. It’s presented as a powerful counterforce to racism and violence, promoting inclusion and acknowledging the vital role AAPI communities have played in shaping the nation. Art has a unique ability to connect with people on an emotional level, to express pain, articulate dreams, and broaden perspectives. The Creative Catalyst Fellowship recognizes this power and seeks to empower independent artists to use their craft to spark conversations and create meaningful change. The goal is to give artists the support they need to produce their art while also enabling that art to actively engage with the world.

Fellowship Benefits and Support

Up to eight selected artists will each receive a substantial award of $30,000. This funding is intended to support the production of work that has the potential to reach wider audiences and initiate important discussions around the theme of belonging. The fellowship provides the financial backing necessary for artists to focus on their creative process and bring their visions to life, with the expectation that their work will resonate and inspire.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

The fellowship is looking for artist-led projects that have a strong connection to AAPI communities. This means the work should be rooted in lived experiences, informed by cultural perspectives, and designed to reach new audiences. The organizers are particularly interested in projects that are portable and can be easily reproduced or shared.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. While there is no U.S. citizenship requirement, selected fellows will need to provide either a W-9 form (for U.S. citizens or resident aliens) or a W-8BEN form (for applicants outside the United States) for payment processing.

The fellowship supports a range of artistic disciplines, including:

• Visual Arts: This includes printmaking, illustration, photography, and modular installations.
• Digital and Media-Based Work: Projects such as short-form video and audio storytelling are welcome.
• Written and Narrative Forms: Poetry, zines, and narrative pieces are eligible.
• Hybrid or Interdisciplinary Work: Projects that are designed for public engagement and blend different artistic forms are encouraged.

However, the fellowship is unable to fund certain types of projects. These include feature-length films, fully staged theater or dance productions, community events that require extensive rehearsal infrastructure, or projects that depend on large-scale or fixed physical installations. If an artist’s practice touches upon these areas, they are still encouraged to apply, provided they can demonstrate how their work can be adapted into a more concise and shareable format.

Application Process and Deadline

The application window for the Creative Catalyst Fellowship closes on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT. Interested artists should submit their applications through the provided online portal. For detailed information and to access the application form, artists can visit the official fellowship page.

Conclusion

The Creative Catalyst Fellowship presents a valuable opportunity for artists dedicated to exploring the theme of belonging, particularly within AAPI communities. With significant financial support and a focus on creating impactful, shareable work, this fellowship aims to empower artists to use their creativity to foster understanding, connection, and positive change. Artists who meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about this theme are strongly encouraged to apply before the October deadline.