Instituted in 1972, the fellowships are given to outstanding artistes who have contributed to the performing arts in the state.
The awardees are decided after a general body meeting conducted by the Akademi panel members and are presented by the Governor of Kerala.
[1] From 2012, the fellows are known by the title "Kalarathna", which is also applied to the previous winners.
The recipients will receive a statuette, a citation, and cash prize.
The reward comprised ₹15,000 until 2012, it was raised to ₹25,000 from the next year onward.