ACC New York Fellowship 2027: $38,000 Grant Guide

ACC New York Fellowship 2027: $38,000 Grant in the USA, Eligibility and How to Apply

Opportunity: Asian Cultural Council New York Fellowship
Funding: USD 38,000 grant for six months
Location: United States, with the fellowship centered on New York City
Eligible applicants: Artists, scholars and arts professionals from eligible Asian countries and regions
Application deadline: November 10, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. Eastern Time
Recommendation letter deadline: November 16, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. Eastern Time
Application portal: ACC's official GoApply platform

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) has opened applications for its 2027 Fellowship and Grant Cycle, including the New York Fellowship, a six-month cultural exchange opportunity for eligible artists, scholars and arts professionals from Asia. The New York Fellowship provides a USD 38,000 grant intended to support eligible cultural exchange activities in the United States.

Applications for the 2027 grant cycle opened on October 1, 2026, and must be submitted by November 10, 2026. Recommendation letters are due separately on November 16, 2026.

This opportunity is designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of another cultural environment, undertake research and exchange ideas with peers. It is not a conventional university scholarship or a paid employment program.

Important year clarification: ACC officially identifies the current opportunity as the 2027 Grant Cycle. Although grant-funded activities may take place through December 31, 2028, the official material reviewed does not establish January–June or July–December 2028 as the confirmed New York Fellowship cohorts for this application round. Applicants should verify their assigned fellowship period directly with ACC.

ACC New York Fellowship 2027: Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Opportunity	New York Fellowship
Organization	Asian Cultural Council (ACC)
Funding cycle	2027 ACC Grant Cycle
Host country	United States
Main location	New York City
Opportunity type	Cultural exchange fellowship
Duration	Six months
Grant amount	USD 38,000
Eligible participants	Artists, scholars and arts professionals from eligible Asian countries and regions
Experience requirement	At least five years in an eligible discipline
Age requirement	Must be over 21 by the fellowship start date if awarded
Application deadline	November 10, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. ET
Recommendation deadline	November 16, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. ET
Notification timeline	Mid-May 2027
Application platform	ACC GoApply
Official information	https://www.asianculturalcouncil.org/grant-opportunities

Application status: OPEN according to ACC's 2027 Grant Cycle announcement. Confirm that the New York Fellowship option remains available in GoApply before beginning your application.

What Is the Asian Cultural Council New York Fellowship?

The Asian Cultural Council is an organization that supports international dialogue and cultural understanding through exchanges between the United States and Asia, as well as within Asia.

Its New York Fellowship gives selected artists, scholars and arts professionals an extended period to explore a new cultural environment, develop their professional perspectives, conduct relevant research and build relationships with people working in related fields.

The program is intended to create time for reflection, learning and cultural immersion. It is not primarily designed to finance the production of a particular film, book, exhibition, performance or other predetermined work.

Participants can benefit from exposure to New York's cultural institutions, artistic communities and professional networks. The experience may inform their future work and contribute to cultural exchange in their home communities.

For official program details, visit the Asian Cultural Council's grant opportunities page.

Who Can Apply for the ACC New York Fellowship?

Applicants must satisfy the general ACC requirements and the additional conditions for the New York Fellowship.

1. Nationality or permanent residence

Applicants must be citizens or legal permanent residents of an eligible country, territory or region.

The official eligibility list includes:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• Cambodia
• Mainland China
• East Timor
• Hong Kong SAR
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Korea
• Laos
• Macau SAR
• Malaysia
• Mongolia
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Sri Lanka
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Important: U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents cannot apply for the New York Fellowship. Although the United States appears in ACC's broader list of eligible locations for certain programs, it is not an eligible applicant origin for this particular fellowship.

Eligibility is based on the official program rules, not simply on where an applicant currently lives.

2. Professional experience

Applicants must demonstrate at least five years of experience in one of ACC's eligible disciplines at the time of application.

Relevant experience should be supported by a clear professional history, meaningful projects, research, artistic practice, exhibitions, performances, publications or other evidence appropriate to the applicant's field.

A strong application should make it easy for reviewers to understand what the applicant has done, how their experience has developed and why the proposed cultural exchange is relevant to their work.

3. Age requirement

Successful applicants must be over 21 by the fellowship start date.

Check ACC's exact wording and interpretation of this requirement before applying if your age is close to the threshold.

4. English-language ability

Applicants must be sufficiently comfortable using English to communicate independently, complete everyday tasks, write basic emails and participate in professional conversations.

The U.S. J-1 exchange visitor process also has English-language requirements. Applicants should assess their ability to participate without relying on special language assistance.

5. Previous ACC awards

Applicants who previously received a New York Fellowship cannot apply for another New York Fellowship.

ACC also excludes alumni who received an ACC grant within the last two calendar years. Previous recipients of a six-month fellowship or similarly large grant may be unlikely to receive another award of comparable size.

6. Study and employment restrictions

New York Fellows cannot undertake paid work during the fellowship under the program's J-1 visa arrangements. This restriction can include paid work for an employer outside the United States.

Participants cannot actively pursue university coursework or teaching for their degree program during the fellowship. Applicants currently enrolled in a university degree program should discuss the implications of a temporary leave of absence with their institution.

The fellowship is therefore best suited to applicants who can commit to the full program and comply with its conditions.

Which Fields Are Eligible?

ACC's eligible disciplines include:

Field	Examples of relevant professional backgrounds
Architecture	Architectural design, history and theory
Archaeology	Archaeological research and related practice
Art history	Research, scholarship and critical study
Arts administration	Cultural organization and arts management
Arts criticism	Arts journalism, criticism and analysis
Conservation	Cultural and artistic heritage conservation
Crafts	Professional craft practices
Curation	Museum, gallery and exhibition-related curatorial practice
Dance	Dance practice and related scholarship
Ethnomusicology	Research into music and culture
Film	Eligible film-related artistic and cultural practice
Literature	Literary practice, research and scholarship
Museum studies	Museum-related research and professional work
Music	Music practice and related scholarship
Theater	Theatre practice, history and scholarship
Visual art	Visual arts, including eligible video art or photography work

This is a guide to the listed disciplines, not a guarantee that every activity within a field qualifies. ACC assesses whether the proposed activities fit its cultural exchange mission and grant rules.

The program does not provide funding for production or promotion of a predetermined commercial or artistic output.

What Does the $38,000 Fellowship Grant Cover?

The New York Fellowship provides a USD 38,000 grant for six months. However, the headline figure should not be interpreted as USD 38,000 in unrestricted cash paid directly to each fellow after arrival.

ACC states that the grant includes a USD 3,000 advance for travel-related expenses. Certain costs are paid or arranged before arrival and deducted from the overall grant.

Funding breakdown

Expense	Officially stated amount or condition
Total fellowship grant	USD 38,000
Travel-related advance	USD 3,000
SEVIS fee	USD 220, deducted from the grant
Mandatory travel health insurance	Approximately USD 675–800, deducted from the grant
International House housing	Approximately USD 19,400–20,600 for six months, if selected
Visa application fee	USD 185, paid separately by the fellow; the travel advance may be used for this and other travel costs
Estimated amount after arrival	USD 10,000–31,100, depending on insurance and housing arrangements

The housing estimate is subject to the applicable program-period pricing and availability. Applicants should confirm the relevant costs for their actual fellowship dates.

Is the fellowship fully funded?

The fellowship provides substantial financial support, but applicants should not assume that every expense is separately reimbursed or that the full USD 38,000 will be available as spending money.

The amount remaining after arrival depends significantly on the housing arrangement and other deductions. The grant also has restrictions on how funds may be used.

Before accepting an award, ask ACC to clarify your payment schedule, housing choice, travel arrangements, insurance costs and any expenses you will need to pay from your own resources.

What Documents Are Required?

ACC's application instructions identify the following materials.

Official application checklist

• Passport or biographical data information

• Contact information

• CV or résumé

• Professional biography

• Personal statement describing your work or research, such as an artist statement

• Up to three relevant work samples

• Name and contact details for one recommendation-letter writer

• Names and contact information for two professional references

• Social media accounts and/or professional website, as requested

• Any additional bilingual application materials required for your region

The official application instructions mark several of these items as mandatory. Review the live form carefully to confirm the requirements and any region-specific materials.

Work samples

Applicants must submit up to three work samples that best demonstrate their work. Depending on the field, acceptable materials may include images, PDFs, video or audio links, and other relevant supporting media.

For audio or video submissions, ACC's instructions specify limits on the content reviewers will examine. Check the current work-sample guidelines before uploading files.

Choose samples that show the quality and direction of your professional practice rather than simply submitting the largest collection of work possible.

Recommendation letter

One professional recommendation letter is required. The recommender must submit it through the designated process.

The deadline for recommendation letters is November 16, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. Eastern Time.

ACC states that recommenders can upload their letters only after the applicant has submitted the application. Do not wait until the final day to begin the process.

Is a project budget required?

ACC's current general grant guidance describes budget requirements for relevant grant types. The supplied New York Fellowship information indicates that a budget is not required for that application. Follow the specific instructions displayed in the New York Fellowship application rather than relying on requirements for another ACC program.

How to Apply for the ACC New York Fellowship

Applications must be submitted through ACC's official GoApply system. ACC does not accept applications sent by ordinary email as a substitute for the required application process.

Step 1: Read the official guidelines

Start at the ACC Grant Opportunities page.

Review the general eligibility criteria, the New York Fellowship requirements, the funding conditions and the application instructions.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility

Check your citizenship or permanent residence, age, professional experience, discipline and previous ACC grant history.

Also consider whether you can comply with the restrictions on paid work, university coursework and teaching during the fellowship.

Step 3: Create or access your GoApply account

Register for an account or log in if you already have one.

Open the opportunities section and select the relevant New York Fellowship application for the current grant cycle. Confirm that the program title and cycle match the official announcement.

Step 4: Complete the eligibility quiz

ACC uses an eligibility quiz to determine whether applicants can proceed with the application.

Answer the questions accurately. If you are uncertain about an eligibility question, contact ACC through its official channels before submitting.

Step 5: Prepare your application materials

Complete the required personal and professional information. Prepare your CV, biography, personal or artist statement and work samples.

Make sure that your materials tell a consistent story about your experience, interests and reasons for pursuing cultural exchange in the United States.

Step 6: Add your references and recommender

Provide the required contact information for two professional references and one recommendation-letter writer.

Contact your recommender early, explain the program and provide enough information for them to prepare a relevant letter.

Step 7: Review and submit before the deadline

Check every required field and attachment. Submit the application before November 10, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. Eastern Time.

Save your confirmation and keep a copy of the application materials.

Step 8: Follow up on the recommendation letter

Your recommender must upload the letter by November 16, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. Eastern Time.

Confirm that the letter has been submitted successfully. An application missing its required recommendation letter may not be reviewed.

Official application information:
https://www.asianculturalcouncil.org/grant-opportunities

Use the official page to access the relevant GoApply application. Do not submit personal documents or pay fees to an unofficial intermediary claiming to represent ACC.

Application Strategy: How to Prepare a Stronger Fellowship Application

Meeting the eligibility criteria is only the first step. Your application should also explain why this particular cultural exchange is valuable for your professional development and how it aligns with ACC's mission.

1. Build a clear professional narrative

Your CV, biography and statement should reinforce one another.

Explain your field, the development of your practice, your relevant achievements and the questions or interests that motivate your work.

Avoid turning your statement into a simple list of awards or positions. Reviewers need to understand the professional direction behind your experience.

2. Explain why New York is relevant

Be specific about the cultural environment, professional communities, research opportunities or perspectives you hope to explore.

Explain what you expect to learn through immersion and dialogue with people whose experiences differ from your own.

Avoid presenting the fellowship primarily as a chance to visit the United States, promote a finished product or obtain paid work.

3. Select your work samples carefully

Choose up to three examples that demonstrate your professional quality and relevance to your field.

For each sample, prepare a concise explanation of your role, the context and why the work represents your practice. Make sure links work, files open correctly and any required descriptions are provided.

4. Choose a suitable recommender

Select someone who knows your work well enough to discuss your experience, professionalism and development.

Provide the recommender with the program description, your current CV and a short explanation of the fellowship objectives you intend to pursue. Confirm that they understand the separate submission deadline.

5. Check the practical implications

Six months abroad can affect employment, family arrangements, university enrollment and personal finances.

Before applying, consider whether you can commit to the full period, comply with the visa restrictions and manage expenses that may not be covered by the grant.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without meeting the five-year experience requirement.
• Assuming that every Asian nationality or every country of residence qualifies.
• Describing a production or commercial project as the primary purpose of the grant.
• Submitting work samples that are inaccessible or poorly explained.
• Waiting until the application deadline to contact a recommender.
• Assuming that the full USD 38,000 will be received as unrestricted cash.
• Confusing the 2027 grant cycle with an unconfirmed 2028 cohort.
• Paying an unofficial person or agency who promises selection.

Important Dates and Timeline

Stage	Date
Applications open	October 1, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. ET
Application deadline	November 10, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. ET
Recommendation-letter deadline	November 16, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. ET
Review and selection	November 2026–April 2027
Applicant notifications	Mid-May 2027
Eligible grant activity period	August 1, 2027–December 31, 2028

The final row represents ACC's overall grant activity period, not confirmation of specific New York Fellowship cohort dates. Confirm the six-month period directly with ACC before making travel or employment arrangements.

All listed times are Eastern Time. Check the official application portal for any updates.

Visa Requirements for Successful Applicants

ACC sponsors the J-1 visa process for New York Fellows. However, sponsorship does not mean that the applicant can ignore the required visa procedures.

According to ACC's instructions, successful applicants must complete the DS-160 visa application, pay the applicable visa application fee, schedule an interview and attend it as required.

ACC also states that the J-1 arrangements prohibit paid work during the fellowship, including certain remote work for employers based outside the United States.

Visa approval is not guaranteed. Applicants should follow ACC's instructions and the relevant U.S. government requirements.

How CareerLift Verified This Opportunity

CareerLift Global reviewed the Asian Cultural Council's official grant information to identify the current grant cycle, application deadlines, general eligibility requirements, funding information and application process.

The official ACC grant page identifies the current call as the 2027 Grant Cycle, with applications closing on November 10, 2026, and recommendation letters due on November 16, 2026.

Some details circulated in secondary descriptions of this opportunity refer to 2028 fellowship cohorts. Those specific dates should not be treated as confirmed until ACC publishes or confirms them for the relevant application cycle.

Applicants should check the official ACC website and GoApply portal for the final eligibility criteria, financial arrangements and fellowship dates before making decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the ACC New York Fellowship?

It is a six-month cultural exchange fellowship offered by the Asian Cultural Council for eligible artists, scholars and arts professionals from Asia to explore and engage with the cultural environment of the United States.

2. How much funding does the fellowship provide?

ACC states that the New York Fellowship provides a USD 38,000 grant for six months. Certain expenses, including SEVIS fees, insurance and optional International House accommodation, are deducted from the grant.

3. When is the ACC New York Fellowship deadline?

The application deadline for the 2027 ACC Grant Cycle is November 10, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. Eastern Time. Recommendation letters are due November 16, 2026, at the same time.

4. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants must meet ACC's citizenship or permanent-residence requirements, have at least five years of experience in an eligible discipline and satisfy the age, English-language and other program conditions. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not eligible for the New York Fellowship.

5. Is the ACC New York Fellowship fully funded?

It provides substantial grant support, but the USD 38,000 amount includes a travel advance and is reduced by certain expenses. The final amount available after arrival depends on housing and other deductions. Applicants should review the complete financial terms before accepting an award.

6. Can I work while participating in the fellowship?

No. ACC's J-1 visa arrangements prohibit paid work during the fellowship, including certain remote work. Applicants should also review the restrictions on university coursework and teaching.

7. Where can I apply?

Use the Asian Cultural Council's official grant opportunities page to review the current instructions and access GoApply. Do not rely on unofficial application links.

Final Advice for Applicants

The ACC New York Fellowship is worth considering for experienced artists, scholars and arts professionals who meet the eligibility criteria and want to deepen their professional practice through cultural exchange in the United States.

Before submitting, verify your eligibility, prepare your CV and work samples, contact your recommender and assess the financial and visa conditions carefully.

Application deadline: November 10, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. Eastern Time. The recommendation letter is due November 16, 2026.

Visit the official Asian Cultural Council grant page for the definitive instructions and application portal.

Disclaimer: CareerLift Global is an independent career and opportunity information platform and is not the fellowship provider. Eligibility, funding, deadlines and program arrangements are determined by the Asian Cultural Council and may change. Always verify the latest information with ACC before applying.