Asian Cultural Council New York Fellowship

The New York Fellowship aims to foster grantees’ understanding of New York City’s many diverse cultures. They posit that cultural understanding is uniquely imparted through first-hand experience, regardless of form or method, and that the impact of cultural exchange manifests in diverse ways. They encourage applicants to clearly articulate the desired outcome(s) they wish to gain from this Fellowship in their application.

ACC emphasizes that this 6-month grant is not a residency or an individual’s personal public relations tour. Rather, the New York Fellowship is a precious pause in everyday activities to take a deep dive into New York City’s rich cultural landscape. ACC hopes that Fellows will take the learnings and insights from their Fellowship experience to influence their own practice, and later contribute to the artistic and cultural communities in their home country.

Strong applications will include:

• A clear description of what you plan to research or engage in during your 6 months in NYC.
• A general list of activities regarding your research project. While ACC does not expect a day-today schedule, they are interested in how you intend to spend your time during the New York Fellowship.
• Possible contacts and connections that will help you with your research project.
• Ability to demonstrate a proven history of impact on your artistic field as well as the potential of continued worthwhile contributions to your artistic discipline.

Eligible Fields

• Archaeology
• Architecture
• Art History
• Arts Administration
• Arts Criticism
• Conservation
• Crafts
• Curation
• Dance
• Ethnomusicology
• Film/Video/Photography
• Literature
• Museum Studies
• Music
• Theater
• Visual Art
• Note: for design, aesthetic theory, and/or aesthetic history only; projects with an economic, social, scientific, or technological focus are not eligible

Funding Information

• $35,000 for 6 months
  • New York Fellows are expected to manage their own awarded and personal finances according to their research project and the high cost of living of New York City.

Support for NY Fellowship

The New York Fellowship program is divided into two 6-month cohorts during a calendar year. The first cohort exchanges from January – June and the second cohort exchanges from July – December. Each Fellow will join a cohort consisting of fellow artists, performers, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Fellowship cohort members will have the opportunity to interact and learn from one another, participate in ACC’s group activities, and connect with creative communities in New York City.

More specifically, ACC provides the following categories of support for New York Fellows:

• Programmatic Support
  • Group Activities
    • The New York Fellowship group activities are comprised of a curated series of site visits, immersing Fellows in the vibrant cultural ecosystem of New York City. Tailored to each cohort, group activities are designed to align with the unique interests and research themes of Fellowship participants.
  • Fellowship Office Hours
    • Fellowship office hours are offered twice a week for grantees to brainstorm and receive feedback on their research projects from the ACC New York Program staff. Office hours connect grantees with resources, potential contacts, and information to advance their research projects in a customized and personal way.
• Logistical Support
  • J-1 Visa
  • Health Insurance
  • Housing for New York Fellowship

Expectations from New York Fellows

• New York Fellowship grantees are expected to choose from one of the following cohort options and are required to commit to the full six (6) month program term:
  • Applicants from Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Mainland China; Japan; the Philippines, and Taiwan
    • January – June 2025
    • July – December 2025
  • Applicants from eligible Asian countries/regions
    • January – June 2025
    • July – December 2025
    • January – June 2026
    • July – December 2026
      • Afghanistan
      • Bangladesh
      • Bhutan
      • Brunei
      • Cambodia
      • East Timor
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Korea
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Mongolia
      • Myanmar
      • Nepal
      • Pakistan
      • Singapore
      • Sri Lanka
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
• New York Fellows are expected to minimize outside commitments, including travel to other countries for conferences, during the 6-month program.
• Understand the New York Fellowship is not designed to support the creation of new work or support exhibiting, performing, presenting, or other public activities. ACC will not provide support regarding production-based requests.
• Be self-sufficient, independent, resourceful, curious, and eager to explore outside the boundaries of their artistic training.
• As one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the world, NYC is home to over 8 million people from diverse backgrounds. Thus, New York Fellows should conduct their grant period in a respectful and open manner regarding the distinct cultures, communities, and histories that make up this vibrant city.
• Speak confident English for participating in conversation and forming relationships, without special language assistance.
  • ACC New York does not provide additional funds for a translator for the New York Fellowship. Costs or expenses incurred for translators or interpreters must be deducted from the grant amount or supported separately by the grantee.
  • While each grantee has a different degree of proficiency for English, they expect New York Fellows to be able to conduct daily tasks, write basic emails, and have the confidence to ask for help.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be over the age of 21 by the New York Fellowship start date.
• Must have five (5) years of professional experience.
• Applicant cannot be a full-time student.
• Previous ACC New York Fellowship recipients are not eligible to apply to the New York Fellowship
• Travel Eligibility
  • The New York Fellowship only supports travel from Asia to United States.

For more information, visit Asian Cultural Council.