KAFA

KAFA is Los Angeles' oldest Korean-American art non-profit organization. We support creative endeavors, encourage and nurture artistic accomplishments, and acknowledge the presence of outstanding Korean-American artists in the United States.

about us

KAFA

KAFA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting emerging Korean-American artists.

our program

KAFA Award

We distribute one $30,000 award biennially. Grants are made directly to artists to support their practices.

who we support

Korean-American Artists

19 artists have received the KAFA Award since 1992.

2026 award

2026 KAFA Award Cycle Now Open

The 2026 KAFA Award application opens on Monday, June 1, 2026, and closes Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM PDT.

Apply Here

Award Description

KAFA selects one artist biennially, in even-numbered years, and awards $30,000 to the recipient. The purpose of the award is to facilitate the realization of creative endeavors, enhance, encourage, and nurture artistic accomplishments, and acknowledge the presence of outstanding Korean-American artists. The award recipient’s artwork will be exhibited in Los Angeles.

The 2026 KAFA Award provides a total award amount of $30,000. This amount is intended to support the recipient’s artistic practice, exhibition preparation, and installation-related expenses. Under no circumstances shall the total amount payable to the award recipient exceed $30,000.

The award will be disbursed in two installments. The first installment will be issued after the award ceremony, and the second installment will be issued upon completion of the exhibition installation.

The 2026 KAFA Award application opens on Monday, June 1, 2026. To be considered for the award, applicants must complete and submit the application by Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM PDT.

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PREVIOUS AWARD RECIPIENTS

  • 2024 / Film / Video

    HEEHYUN CHOI

  • 2022 / Social Practice and Autoethnography

    MIRAE KH RHEE

  • 2020 / Photography / Sculpture / Video

    YOUNG JOON KWAK

  • 2018 / Sculpture

    ROBERT RHEE

  • 2016 / Installation / Performance / Sculpture

    JENNIFER MOON

  • 2014 / Installation / Sculpture

    OLGA LAH

  • 2012 / Installation / Sculpture

    JEAN SHIN

  • 2010 / Drawing/Painting

    KAKYOUNG LEE

  • 2008 / Performance / Photography / Video

    JAYE RHEE

  • 2006 / Installation / Sculpture

    WON JU LIM

  • 2004 / Drawing/Painting / Installation

    JENA H. KIM

  • 2002 / Drawing/Painting

    MARIA PARK

  • 2000 / Sculpture

    JYUNG MEE PARK

  • 1998 / Drawing/Painting / Installation / Sculpture

    DO-HO SUH

  • 1996 / Sculpture

    YUNHEE MIN

  • 1995 / Drawing/Painting

    ALICE PARK-SPURR

  • 1994 / Drawing/Painting / Sculpture

    BYRON KIM

  • 1993 / Drawing/Painting / Installation / Photography / Sculpture

    SOOK JIN JO

  • 1992 / Sculpture

    YUN-DONG NAM