2026 Jadin Wong Fellowship in Dance

The Asian American Arts Alliance (A4), with support from the New York Community Trust, is pleased to administer the 2026 Jadin Wong Fellowship for an emerging New York City–based Asian American dance artist/choreographer.

A4’s mission is to ensure greater representation, equity, and opportunities for Asian American artists and cultural organizations through resource sharing, promotion, and community building. In that spirit, the Jadin Wong Fellowship supports an early-career Asian American artist living in NYC in developing work that contributes to Asian American and creative discourse.

Named in honor of pioneering Chinese American actress, dancer, and comedienne Jadin Wong, who championed opportunities for Asian Americans as both a performer and talent agent, the fellowship reflects her legacy of advocacy and innovation in the performing arts.

A4 will award the fellowship to one early-career Asian American dancer/choreographer who is age 30 or younger at the start of the fellowship. The selected artist must demonstrate outstanding promise and a clear potential to benefit from further professional development.

The grantee will receive a $10,000 unrestricted stipend and an eight-month fellowship tailored to their artistic practice, including mentorship with an established or mid-career dance professional, career coaching, and technical support.

A4 will administer an open application process.

Fellowship Description:

In addition to the cash stipend of $10,000, the fellow will participate in an eight-month program beginning in May 2026 and ending in December 2026. The fellowship is structured in three phases, each facilitating a different area of professional development.

Phase 1: Career Coaching
May – July 2026
The selected fellow will receive a minimum of three coaching sessions from an esteemed career coach. The coaching will cover core value strengthening and goal setting/vision planning. These sessions are meant to offer personal and professional development tools for the fellow to empower themself as a leader of their vision, craft, and field.

Phase 2: Artistic Mentorship
July – September 2026
The selected fellow will receive artistic mentorship from an established or mid-career dance professional. The mentorship will include one-on-one meetings with the appointed mentor. The mentor will be chosen by A4 staff based on field recommendations and with input from the fellow, giving consideration to their interests and preferences.

Phase 3: A4 Public Program
October – December 2026
The selected fellow will work with A4 staff to develop and present one community workshop or public presentation by December 2026 based on their experience with the fellowship or work generated through the process. A4 can provide up to $1,000 in production support and help connect you with venue partners. Please keep this budget in mind as you shape your program proposal.

Requirements

Applicants must be:

• of Asian descent
• 30 years of age or younger by May 1, 2026
• a resident of New York City and primarily based in NYC during the fellowship period (May–Dec 2026)
• not currently enrolled in a degree-granting program in a field related to dance during the fellowship period; exceptions may be made for post-graduate students in a field unrelated to dance
• have at least two years of experience in presented dance

NOTE: Current A4 staff, board members, and review panelists are not eligible. Immediate family of A4 staff, board members, and review panelists are not eligible.

Review and Selection Criteria:

The fellow will be selected through an open call and jury process. A jury composed of established professionals in the field will evaluate the submitted applications based on the following criteria:

• Artistic merit: Technical skill, performance quality, clarity of vision and originality of work will be evaluated.
• Development of new or existing work: Description of the project to be developed or completed during the fellowship.
• Community impact: Articulation of interest or hopes to make a significant impact on the Asian American and New York City artistic community as a whole, based on narrative responses in the application.
• Potential for growth: Extent to which the fellowship will advance the applicant’s goals and career.

Review panels are composed of a diverse group of respected professionals in the field. All are distinguished artists and arts professionals.

Key Dates:

Feb 19, 2026 –– Public announcement of open call
Feb 25, 2026 –– Virtual information session, 12:00–1:00 pm ET
March 25, 2026 –– Submissions close by 11:59 pm ET
March - April 2026 –– Panel review period
April 24, 2026 –– Notification of award
May 7, 2026 –– Public announcement of fellows
May–December 2026 –– Fellowship period

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online via Jotform.

Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. The application deadline is firm; no exceptions will be made.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the virtual information session on Wednesday, February 25 from 12:00–1:00 PM ET. The one hour session will include background and logistics of the awards process and pointers on preparing a strong application.

A recording of the session will be posted to A4’s YouTube channel. Register here.

For a copy of the above guidelines, application questions, and FAQ, please refer to this document, or email programs@aaartsalliance.org.