kundiman retreat
PRATT INSTITUTE, BROOKLYN CAMPUS
NEW YORK CITY
JUNE 15–20, 2026

This project is made possible by funding from Mellon Foundation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and The New York State Council on the Arts.

INTRODUCTION

In order to mentor and build community among Asian American and Pacific Islander (“AAPI”) writers, Kundiman sponsors an annual creative writing Retreat. During each Retreat, six nationally renowned poets and fiction writers conduct craft classes and mentorship meetings. Readings, writing circles, and informal social gatherings are also scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging AAPI writers. 

CRAFT CLASSES & mentorship meetings

The Kundiman Retreat is generative in nature, so craft classes are focused on new work that is written at the Retreat. An acclaimed writer facilitates each craft class, which is small (not exceeding six students) and includes a craft talk, readings, and writing exercises. Retreat attendees, known as Kundiman Fellows, take three craft classes during the Retreat — one with each Faculty member in their genre. 

Each Fellow also attends a 25-minute mentorship meeting where they can speak with a Faculty member about craft, career questions, and the writing life. Our hope is that these craft classes and mentorship meetings inspire Kundiman Fellows to forge deeper relationships to their artistic processes and encounter their work with renewed focus and energy.  

location & dates

The 2026 Kundiman Retreat will be held at Pratt Institute’s Brooklyn Campus in Brooklyn, New York from Monday, June 15th to Saturday, June 20th. 

If you have any questions about accessibility or if you need any accommodations, please email info@kundiman.org.

ELIGIBILITY

Anyone who self-identifies as AAPI and is at least 18 years old can apply to the Retreat. 

LOGISTICS

It is expected that Fellows and Faculty are in residence for the duration of the Retreat. We will ask that you not invite in outside visitors, or make plans to meet with visitors during the Retreat. If you know that you will not be able to be in residence for the entirety of the Retreat, it is recommended that you select another year to attend.

Everyone in attendance will commit to co-creating an inclusive, respectful, and courageous space that honors both self care and community care. Community care includes taking reasonable steps to protect one another from contagious illnesses such as COVID. Further guidance on COVID protocol will be provided to admitted Fellows at a later date.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Between December 15th and January 15th, apply to the Kundiman Retreat by clicking on one of the below buttons. Submit a cover letter and brief writing sample (5–7 pages of poetry or 5 pages (1250 words max) of prose). Applications will close at 11:59 PM ET on January 15th, 2026. Notification on application status is expected to be given by mid March.

Please check back on December 15th, 2025 for the application link.

Frequently Asked questions

Please click here for Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Retreat.