The Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) has opened applications for the APWLD Uprising / Art Rising Feminist Artivism Fellowship 2026. This fully funded program offers artists in Asia and the Pacific a chance to blend creativity with feminist activism. With a $3,000 stipend, fellows will create art that highlights women’s rights, social justice, and real-life struggles.
About APWLD
APWLD is a key feminist network in Asia and the Pacific. It has over 313 members from 31 countries and territories. The group works to advance women’s human rights, build feminist movements, and promote development justice. It challenges inequalities through research, advocacy, and support for grassroots groups. APWLD also fosters solidarity among feminists across borders.
Fellowship Overview
This fellowship builds on a 2025 art exhibition called “On Debt Row” in Sevilla, Spain. That event looked at how debt harms women in the Global South. Now, the program expands to support artists who team up with activists and organizations. Fellows will make art in fields like visual arts, theatre, film, digital media, and more. The focus is on themes such as feminist economic justice, climate action, peace, food sovereignty, trade justice, and labor rights for migrants.
Financial and Other Benefits
Each fellow or team gets a $3,000 stipend for project costs. Beyond money, the program provides mentorship from APWLD staff and partners. Fellows gain political training, access to grassroots groups, and networking events. They will showcase work at an exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand. APWLD will promote the art through its platforms for wider reach.
Timeline
The fellowship runs from June to November 2026. During this time, fellows collaborate on projects, attend sessions, and join events. A key highlight is a trip to Bangkok in October for the main art space gathering. At the end, fellows submit reports and join a reflection meeting.
Key Themes
Artists can pick one or more themes to explore through their work.
Feminist Economic Justice
Projects might cover public debt, austerity cuts, or women’s fight for fair livelihoods. Art can show resistance to unfair economic policies.
Climate Justice
Focus on women’s roles in environmental defense, energy shifts, or fights against big companies that harm the planet.
Peace and Justice
Address militarism, surveillance, or dangers faced by women rights defenders.
Food Sovereignty
Highlight indigenous food ways, land rights, or pushback against big agriculture firms.
Feminist Trade Justice
Examine trade rules, corporate control, and how they affect women’s labor and rights.
Labor and Migration
Explore exploitation of women workers, migration challenges, and demands for better rights.
Eligibility
Artists from Asia and the Pacific can apply, alone or in teams. Suitable fields include visual arts, theatre, film, digital arts, and interdisciplinary work. Teams share the $3,000 stipend. Applicants need experience in feminist art or social justice. They must speak English well and one regional language. Travel ability is required.
Fellow Responsibilities
Fellows create at least one major artwork. They join online orientations, work with APWLD partners, and attend events. In Bangkok, they take part in the art space. Fellows also share updates via photos, videos, and social media. At the end, they provide reports on work and spending.
Uprising / Art Rising: A Feminist Art Space
This Bangkok event is a hub for feminist art. It allows experimentation, storytelling, and community building. Fellows display their pieces here to boost women’s voices across the region.
Mentorship and Training
Fellows get paired with APWLD programs based on their theme. Training covers patriarchy, globalization, and feminist strategies to fight inequalities. This builds skills for stronger activism.
Selection Process
Judges look at artistic experience in feminist or justice work. They review project creativity, fit with themes, and community impact. Commitment to movements matters too.
Application Requirements
Submit an online form, CV, project proposal, budget, and portfolio samples.
Deadline and Next Steps
Applications close on 28 May 2026. Apply early through the official APWLD link to secure your spot. This fellowship links art with real change for women in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APWLD Uprising Art Rising Feminist Artivism Fellowship?
This fully funded program supports artists from Asia and the Pacific to create art on women’s rights and social justice themes. Fellows receive a $3,000 stipend and mentorship to blend creativity with activism.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Artists or teams from Asia and the Pacific with experience in feminist art or social justice work are eligible. They must speak English well, one regional language, and be able to travel.
What benefits do fellows get?
Each fellow or team gets a $3,000 stipend, mentorship, political training, networking, and a chance to showcase work at an exhibition in Bangkok. APWLD also promotes the art widely.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 28 May 2026. Submit your online form, CV, project proposal, budget, and portfolio early through the official APWLD link.
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