Designed to equip emerging artists, creative professionals, and cultural practitioners in the Kiki scene with the tools to build sustainable careers, the KAC Catalyst Fellowship is a paid 6-month, professional development program that integrates career readiness, civic and cultural leadership, production of new work, and hands-on industry experience.

For the first three months, fellows engage in an artist and career development curriculum alongside broader conversations about art, media, politics, and culture. Modeled after the Freedom Schools of the 1960s and rooted in the Kiki scene’s tradition of supporting young adults, this curriculum prepares fellows not only to thrive in creative industries but also to become well-informed community leaders.

During the second half of the fellowship, fellows are placed at a partner host site, where they gain on-the-job training in production, curation, archiving, and programming. These sites are leading arts and media institutions across New York City with decades of experience in nurturing emerging talent.

Throughout the fellowship, participants will also develop original creative works in their medium while contributing to KAC’s public programs and exhibitions.

Eligibility: Emerging artists in the Kiki scene between the ages of 18–25 (applicants must be within this age range at the start of the program).

For more established artists in the Kiki scene, the KAC Artist-in-Residence Program guides them to the next stage in their careers with intensive support and expansive resources. Over the course of nine months (mid-April through mid-January), the selected artist receives both creative and professional mentorship to develop and realize a new work while strengthening their long-term practice.

The residency provides an artist stipend, project support, dedicated space, and one-on-one mentorship. In addition to advancing their proposed project, the artist will benefit from tailored professional guidance, including support with production, presentation, and career development.

Throughout the residency, the artist will have opportunities to share their new work publicly through a mid-point check-in and a final presentation. They will also contribute to the wider KAC community by designing at least one public offering for youth in the Kiki scene—examples might include a technical workshop or a discussion about careers in the arts. To foster dialogue across programs, the AIR will present their work to Catalyst Fellows and facilitate dialogue about career sustainability.

Eligibility: More established artists in the Kiki scene who have publicly presented their work. While the program is primarily geared toward artists ages 25 and older, exceptional applicants under 25 may be considered if their experience indicates that the Catalyst Fellowship would not be the right fit.

KAC is committed to breaking down the barriers that often keep young artists from thriving in creative industries. We provide direct support through workshops and resources that prepare artists to navigate their careers with confidence. Offerings include resume and portfolio development, job consulting, grant-writing workshops, and guidance on professional opportunities in the arts.

We also produce exhibitions, shows, and theatrical productions that spotlight emerging artists from the Kiki scene. Opportunities to present work are offered through open calls, giving artists a clear entry point into professional presentation. For many artists, KAC provides their first chance to share their work publicly. KAC provides curatorial guidance, production support, and logistical resources, allowing artists to focus on their vision while learning the process of bringing creative projects to life.

Through these programs, KAC opens doors for emerging talent by empowering artists with both the experience and skills needed to sustain their creative journeys.