Organizer Information
The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing international dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect through cultural exchange between Asia and the United States, as well as within Asia. Since its establishment, ACC has supported artists, scholars, arts professionals, and cultural organizations in developing cross-cultural relationships and expanding their professional perspectives. Since 1963, the organization has awarded more than $100 million in funding, supporting nearly 6,000 cultural exchanges across 16 disciplines and involving participants from 26 countries and regions. Its 2027 grant cycle offers several funding opportunities for individuals and organizations pursuing meaningful international cultural exchange.
Title & Description
2027 Asian Cultural Council Fellowships and Grants
ACC invites applications for its 2027 grant cycle, supporting immersive cultural experiences, independent exploration, professional development, and cross-cultural exchange. Rather than funding the production of predetermined artworks, exhibitions, films, or performances, ACC prioritizes opportunities that broaden artistic perspectives, encourage collaboration, and build lasting international connections.
The program includes four funding categories: New York Fellowship, Individual Fellowship, Graduate Fellowship, and Organization Grant. Depending on the category, applicants may undertake cultural exploration, visit institutions, engage with artists and professionals, pursue relevant academic studies, or develop exchange activities involving arts communities across borders.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Architecture (Design, History, and Theory)
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Arts Administration
- Arts Criticism
- Conservation
- Crafts
- Curation
- Dance
- Ethnomusicology
- Film
- Literature
- Museum Studies
- Music, and Theater
- Video artists and photographers may apply under Visual Art
Eligibility
ACC welcomes eligible artists, scholars, arts professionals, graduate students, and arts and cultural organizations. Applicants generally must be citizens or legal permanent residents of an eligible country, territory, or region, or organizations registered in an eligible location. Most individual applicants must demonstrate at least five years of professional experience in an eligible discipline; Graduate Fellowship applicants are exempt from this experience requirement.
Eligible locations include the United States and selected Asian countries and regions, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Specific citizenship, age, destination, educational, and professional requirements vary by grant category. Applicants should consult the official guidelines before applying.
Program Benefits & Awards
- New York Fellowship: A six-month cultural exchange experience in New York City, with a grant of $38,000 USD. Fellows participate in a cohort-based program, explore cultural institutions, and receive individualized guidance. Housing and certain pre-arrival expenses may be deducted from the grant.
- Individual Fellowship: Funding of up to $35,000 USD for self-directed cultural exchange and exploration lasting one to six months. Joint applications from up to three eligible participants are permitted.
- Graduate Fellowship: $15,000 USD toward travel and living expenses for one academic year of eligible, full-time graduate coursework in the United States, with possible renewal for a second year.
- Organization Grant: Support for eligible cultural organizations undertaking activities that advance international exchange.
Eligible budgets may include airfare, accommodation, daily living expenses, local transportation, insurance, visa-related expenses, interpretation, and relevant cultural activities, subject to program rules.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 November 2026
- Letters of recommendation Deadline: 16 November 2026
- Review and selection: November 2026–April 2027.
- Applicant notifications: Mid-May 2027.
- Grant activity period: August 1, 2027–December 31, 2028.
Location
New York, United States
Additional Details
ACC funding is intended for immersive cultural exchange, not production grants, promotional tours, or travel solely to attend a single event. Full-time residency participation is ineligible for funding. New York and Individual Fellowship applicants traveling to the United States must meet applicable J-1 visa requirements. Applicants should carefully review the restrictions and budget rules for their selected program.