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. 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, communications, archiving, and programming. These sites are leading institutions across NYC 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: Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years of engagement in the NYC Kiki Ballroom scene—through participation, organizing, or other forms of cultural involvement—and demonstrate a strong commitment to building a career in arts, media, or cultural work. This NYC-based fellowship prioritizes emerging artists and creative practitioners actively developing both their practice and professional path; applicants from New York City and surrounding areas, including 007s, are encouraged to apply.

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 six months, the selected artist(s) 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: Applicants must have a minimum of three years of active participation in the NYC Kiki Ballroom scene—through walking, house membership, organizing, or other sustained cultural contributions—and maintain an ongoing artistic practice across any medium. The residency is NYC-based, with priority given to artists living in New York City and surrounding areas; 007s are encouraged to apply.