2026 What Can We Do? Artist Grant Application

The Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) is pleased to announce the What Can We Do? artist grant program for artists addressing community care in creative ways. Grants will be awarded to at least 15 NYC-based artists who will be selected by A4 Staff. Each awardee will receive $1,500 to create and carry out ideas to engage, aid, and care for the AAPI and other communities of color in NYC.

Eligibility Requirements:

• NYC Resident, primarily based in NYC during the program period
• At least 21 years old
• All artistic disciplines and experience levels welcome; no prior organizing experience required
• Demonstrate willingness or interest in community work and care for vulnerable populations

Your project must:

• Benefit communities in Chinatown, Manhattan (District 1); and/or Flushing, Queens (District 20); and/or support Palestinian creators and their communities; and/or strengthen AAPI and cross-cultural solidarities
• Center community-building, healing, reflection, and joy and not be solely reactionary to crisis or protest
• Take place between February–June 2026 

Click here for complete guidelines, and here for FAQ.

All applications are due Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

Please note: This form allows you to save your application's progress. Make sure to click 'save & continue later' at the bottom of the form.

Personal Information

Demographic Information

Understanding the nature of this moment, we respect your privacy not to share or elaborate on any of the non-required questions about identity below. However, if you feel that sharing your identity provide greater context around your application, feel free to include.

Eligibility Requirements

The proposed project(s) must benefit communities in Chinatown, Manhattan (District 1); and/or Flushing, Queens (District 20); and/or support Palestinian creators and their communities; and/or strengthen AAPI and cross-cultural solidarities.

Proposed Project Details

Projects may take many forms such as performing music for seniors waiting in line at food pantries, leading workshops with youth to create ‘zines that reinforce positive aspects of AAPI culture, or presenting an interactive exhibition of Palestinian weaving traditions.

Partnering with Community Organizations

You are not required to partner with a community organization, but we've found partnerships can be valuable in securing space and reaching the target audience. If selected, you have flexibility to adjust your project idea and/or community if needed; just communicate updates to the A4 team. A4 can facilitate introductions to community partners in Flushing, Queens or Chinatown, Manhattan (see list below). You may indicate your preferences in your application. We'll do our best to match awardees with organizations, but cannot guarantee placement.

Chinatown, Manhattan

• Chatham Square Park Library (NYPL)
• University Settlement
• Hamilton Madison House

Flushing, Queens

• Glow Cultural Center
• Queens Botanical Garden
• YWCA Queens

Proposed Community Organization

Please share more about the community organization you intend to work with. You should be filling out this section for organizations outside of A4's partner organizations listed earlier in the application. We love hearing about organizations outside of our existing partnerships.

Supplementary Information

This information provides us additional ways to get a greater sense of who you are and explore your body of work. Please be sure to include all recent and past projects and collaborations.

Documentation

Applicants must be a resident of New York City & primarily based in New York City during the program period (this program will take on a hybrid form with some in-person meetings), and must be 21 years or older. Please upload documents that verify your proof of residency and age below.

Note: Documentation must be an official document stating the applicant’s name, date, and NYC address; Can be, but not be limited to: utility bill, bank statement or bill, credit card statement, valid government ID listing NYC address issued in 2024-25, residential lease, idNYC issued in 2024-25, roommate agreement, rent receipt or proof or rent, studio lease or any other form of official documentation listing the above.

Note: Upload passport or state-issued ID, including idNYC

Please note: this form allows you to save your application's progress. Make sure to click 'save & continue later' at the bottom of the form.