The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) is offering its New York Fellowship to artists, scholars and cultural professionals from Asia. It’s a six-month stay in New York in 2028 with a grant of USD 38,000. Applications for this cycle close on 10 November 2026 at 9:59 AM Eastern Time.
It’s called “fully funded” on many websites, but the details matter. Read the money section below before you decide.
What Is the ACC New York Fellowship?
It’s a six-month residency that lets you meet New York’s art and cultural community do research or build projects, and make connections. There are two cohorts: 1 January to 30 June 2028, or 1 July to 31 December 2028. You can say which you’d like, but ACC makes the final choice. You must arrive in the first week and stay until the last, and long trips away aren’t allowed.
Who Can Apply?
You must be a citizen or permanent resident of one of these places: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Mainland China, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam. US citizens and permanent residents can’t apply.
You also need to be at least 21 with at least five years of experience in an eligible field. The fields include architecture, archaeology, art history, arts administration, arts criticism, conservation, crafts, curation, dance, ethnomusicology, film, literature, museum studies, music, theatre and visual art.
You need to be comfortable in English, because the J-1 visa requires you to handle daily life on your own. Past New York Fellows can’t apply again, and people who got an ACC grant in the last two calendar years aren’t eligible.
During the fellowship you can’t take paid work university classes or a teaching job.
Read More: UNICEF Fellowship 2027: Innocenti Youth Fellowship Guide
How Much Money Do You Get?
The total grant is USD 38,000 for the six months, and it includes a USD 3,000 advance for travel costs. Some costs come out of it: a USD 220 SEVIS fee, travel health insurance (USD 675 to 800) and, if you choose I-House housing, about USD 19,400 to 20,600.
ACC says fellows can expect USD 10,000 to 31,100 after arrival, depending on insurance and housing. The page doesn’t say whether the USD 185 visa fee is covered by the advance, so ask ACC.
What to Send
- Create a GoApply account (ACC doesn’t accept emails) and pass the eligibility quiz.
- Fill in your details and send your CV and biography.
- Write a personal or artist statement.
- Upload three work samples.
- Give two professional contacts.
- Ask one person to upload a recommendation letter. It’s due on 16 November 2026, and applications without a letter won’t be reviewed.
No budget is needed, and you can apply to only one ACC programme per cycle.
Important Dates
- Applications open: 1 October 2026
- Applications close: 10 November 2026, 9:59 AM ET
- Recommendation letters due: 16 November 2026
- Notifications: mid-May 2027
Also See: AKS Graduate Fellowship 2027 in Korea | Stipend & Housing
Visa
ACC sponsors your J-1 visa. You pay the DS-160 fee and go to the visa interview yourself.
FAQs
Is the ACC New York Fellowship fully funded?
It’s a USD 38,000 grant, but some costs (SEVIS, insurance, housing) are deducted.
Who can apply?
Citizens and permanent residents of 25 Asian countries and regions, aged 21 or older, with five years of experience.
When is the deadline?
10 November 2026, 9:59 AM ET.
How long is the fellowship?
Six months, in 2028.
Can I work during the fellowship?
No paid work, courses or teaching.