Applications for MFAFP 2026 Are Now Open
Nurturing ASEAN’s next generation of emerging artists.
The Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship Programme (MFAFP) is a fellowship designed to empower emerging ASEAN artists through mentorship, professional development, artistic exploration and exhibition opportunities.
Whether you are building your artistic practice or taking the next step in your career, MFAFP provides the guidance, industry exposure and platform to help you grow as an artist.
WHAT IS MFAFP?
Build Your Practice. Expand Your Network. Showcase Your Work.
The Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship Programme (MFAFP) is Maybank Foundation’s flagship visual arts fellowship under the Balai Seni Art Series, dedicated to nurturing emerging Malaysian artists.
The programme offers a structured learning journey that combines:
Mentorship opportunities with established artists
Incubation period that includes professional development workshops
Curatorial guidance
Industry networking
Artistic experimentation
A culminating regional public exhibition
Throughout the fellowship, participants develop a new body of work while gaining valuable insights into Malaysia’s contemporary art ecosystem and building meaningful connections within the arts community.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Is MFAFP Right for You?
We’re looking for passionate emerging ASEAN artists who are ready to take the next step in their artistic journey.
Applicants should:
- Be citizens of ASEAN countries
- Be practising emerging artists in various forms of arts (visual, fine, performing, music, craft, media and digital, interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary)
- Applicants must have participated in at least one solo, group exhibition, shows or performances.
- Applicants must be a practicing artist for a minimum of 3 years
- Demonstrate commitment to developing a professional artistic career
- Be available throughout the fellowship period
- Be willing to travel and participate actively in mentorship sessions, workshops and programme activities
Detailed requirements are available from the MFAFP 2026: Terms and Conditions
WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?
Selected fellows will benefit from:
Mentorship
Receive guidance from established artists and experienced industry practitioners.
Professional Development
Strengthen your artistic, professional and entrepreneurial skills through workshops and coaching.
Creative Growth
Develop a new body of work with curatorial support and constructive feedback.
Industry Exposure
Build relationships with galleries, curators, collectors and fellow artists from across ASEAN.
Public Exhibition
Present your work in a professionally curated exhibition at a regional level.
Recognition
Gain visibility through Maybank Foundation’s promotional platforms and receive a certificate upon successful completion.
PROGRAMME TIMELINE
Your MFAFP Journey
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 10 July 2026 |
| Applications Close | 26 July 2026 |
| Shortlisting | 3 August 2026 |
| Announcement of Fellows | 5 August 2026 |
| Fellowship Commences with Incubation | 2 - 11 September 2026 |
| Production of Artwork | 12 September - 26 October 2026 (45 days) |
| Exhibition Setup | 27 - 29 October 2026 |
| Final Exhibition | 30 October - 4 December 2026 |
SEE WHAT MFAFP FELLOWS HAVE ACHIEVED
Explore Previous MFAFP Cohorts
Every fellowship culminates in a regional public exhibition featuring newly developed works created throughout the programme.
Discover the journeys, artworks and exhibitions of previous MFAFP fellows, and see how the programme has helped emerging artists transform their ideas into compelling contemporary artworks.
For MFAFP 2025, twelve exceptional emerging artists from eight ASEAN countries have embarked on a meaningful journey that embodies the spirit of this year’s theme, “Collective Motion.” From incubation to mentorship and exhibition, the fellowship offers an enriching exploration of how individual voices converge to create shared rhythm, energy, and purpose. Representing the region’s diverse creative voices, the participating artists are:
- Audya Amalia Putri (Indonesia)
- Bùi Bảo Trâm (Vietnam)
- Dk Izzat Zafirah (Brunei)
- Dylan Kok Siong (Malaysia)
- Forrest Wong (Malaysia)
- Imaniar Rizki Waridha (Indonesia)
- Jakkrapan Sriwichai (Thailand)
- Mao Sovanchandy (Cambodia)
- Otniel Tasman (Indonesia)
- Regina Reyes (Philippines)
- Silibangone Vongsa (Laos)
- Yosep Arizal (Indonesia)
The nine-day incubation in Langkawi, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur immersed participants in Malaysia’s diverse cultural landscape. Through mentorship sessions, hands-on workshops, and professional exchanges led by regional art practitioners, they honed their craft while building connections that transcend borders. The journey culminates in the “Collective Motion” exhibition happening from 12 November to 12 December 2025 at Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, Kuala Lumpur.
The exhibited works capture a dynamic interplay of heritage, individuality, and innovation. Through sustainable materials, mixed media, and immersive techniques, each piece tells a story of shared creativity, illustrating how collaboration can spark transformation and how art, in motion, connects us all. Their works reflect movement, harmony, and collaboration, a living metaphor of how unity and diversity coexist within ASEAN.
Dive deeper into their creative processes by exploring the exhibition catalogue, or join us at the exhibition in celebrating the unifying power of art and its ability to inspire communities across borders.
You can now visit the virtual gallery too! Step inside from wherever you are and experience the artworks in an immersive, interactive space that brings the exhibition to life online.
Follow @maybankfoundation and @kakiseni on Instagram for more updates.
MFAFP 2023: Those Who Make Tomorrow
Launched in November 2023, the inaugural MFAFP took place in Bali, Indonesia, under the direction and curation of the esteemed Khai Hori. Through a series of workshops, networking sessions, and mentor-led exchanges, 12 ASEAN artists explored new creative territories and honed their artistic voices. This first edition laid the foundation for the programme’s long-term mission — to empower ASEAN’s next generation of artists. View the works of the artists from MFAFP 2023 here.
MFAFP 2024: Form Before Fusion
The second edition, MFAFP 2024, brought together 11 emerging artists from across ASEAN under the theme “Form Before Fusion.” The exhibition highlighted the distinct identities and traditions that shape artistic practice before blending into collective expression. Artists explored themes of cultural identity and transformation through sustainable materials, mixed media, and immersive storytelling — revealing how individuality becomes strength when joined in harmony. View the works of the artists from MFAFP 2024 here.
Missed our past exhibitions? No worries! You can explore stunning masterpieces from talented MFAFP artists across ASEAN anytime, anywhere through our virtual gallery.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Artistic Journey?
Applications for the Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship Programme 2026 are now open.
Apply now by completing the application form via this link or by scanning the QR code. Applications close on 26 July 2026.
