Grant Opportunities

2027 ACC Fellowships and Grants 

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) is pleased to announce the open call for the 2027 Grant Cycle. Applications will be accepted from October 1 through November 10, 2026, with letters of recommendation due November 16.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines below before beginning an application. These guidelines cover ACC’s mission and grantmaking priorities, as well as detailed information on available grant types, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and frequently asked questions. 

Overview of ACC's Grantmaking

ACC’s Mission 

ACC advances international dialogue, understanding, and respect through cultural exchange activities in Asia and the United States to create a more harmonious and peaceful world.  

What We Support 

ACC supports artists, scholars, arts professionals, and organizations through fellowships and grants that advance cultural exchange between the U.S. and Asia, and within Asia. Through these immersive experiences, participants step outside their daily life, engage deeply with new cultural contexts, expand their perspectives and creative practice, and develop relationships with peers across borders. After their fellowship or grant, participants join ACC’s global alumni network, continuing to build connections and contribute to cross-cultural understanding through their work. 

Since 1963, ACC has awarded more than $100 million USD to support nearly 6,000 exchanges across 16 disciplines, involving grantees from 26 countries and regions. 

ACC offers four types of grants to support its mission: 

  • New York Fellowship: Over a six-month period, a diverse cohort of artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia live in the United States and engage with a new cultural landscape, using this immersive experience to broaden their perspectives and inform the development of their artistic practices. This rare and extended pause from daily work—shared with peers across disciplines—offers space for reflection, exploration, and meaningful exchange, free from the pressure to produce or present work. 
  • Individual Fellowship: With a flexible, often shorter timeframe of one to six months, artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the U.S. pursue research, self-directed exploration and cultural exchange experiences in a new or less familiar environment, fostering peer-to-peer dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. The individual fellowship can be a joint fellowship of up to three participants.
  • Graduate Fellowship: Supports graduate students from Asia pursuing U.S.-based degree programs that are unavailable or underrepresented in their home region. While this fellowship is academic by nature, studying in a less familiar environment, fellows are exposed to new ideas beyond the classroom.  
  • Organization Grant: Enables arts and culture organizations in Asia and the U.S. to pursue activities that advance their understanding of a topic or area practice, foster meaningful cultural exchange for their staff, communities, and collaborators. 

Application and Selection Timeline

The 2027 Grants Cycle will follow the schedule outlined below. 

  • Call for Applications Opens: October 1, 2026, at 9:59 AM U.S. Eastern Time (ET) 
  • Applications Due: Tuesday, November 10, at 9:59 AM U.S. Eastern Time (ET) 
  • Letters of Recommendation Due: Monday, November 16, at 9:59 AM U.S. Eastern Time (ET) 
  • Review and Selection Process: November 2026 - April 2027 
  • Notifications to Applicants: Mid-May 2027 
  • Grant Period (When ACC-funded travel and activities must take place): August 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028

Overview of General Eligibility Requirements, Selection Criteria, and Selection Process 

All applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria below. Each fellowship or grant program also has additional requirements, which are outlined in the program-specific guidelines under “Fellowship and Grant Opportunities.”

Eligibility  

ACC welcomes applications from artists, scholars, arts professionals, and organizations proposing immersive cultural experiences aligned with our mission. 

Eligible applications must meet the following requirements: 

  • Eligible Activities: ACC fellowship and grant funding is strictly limited to supporting activities related to cultural exchange and immersive experiences. ACC does not fund production or promotional activities, including activities intended to directly or indirectly produce, exhibit, or perform a specific, predetermined work product. Examples of ineligible “production grants” include, but are not limited to: filming a documentary, conducting research for a planned work product (e.g. books, films, plays, etc.), organizing an exhibition, or conducting a concert series.   
  • Timing of Fellowship and Grant Activities: All ACC-funded activities must take place within the grant period: August 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028.  
  • Eligible Destinations: ACC fellowships and grant activities must take place in the eligible countries, territories, and regions listed below. The New York and Graduate Fellowships may only take place in the U.S. For details on eligible destinations and restrictions, refer to the specific program guidelines. 

           Eligible Countries, Territories, and Regions: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China (Mainland), East Timor, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, U.S., and Vietnam. 

  • Citizenship, Permanent Resident Status, and Organization Registration: Applicants must be citizens or legal permanent residents of at least one of the countries, territories, or regions listed above, or be an organization registered in one of those locations. Permanent resident status refers to a government-issued legal status that allows you to live in a country, territory, or region indefinitely. It does not include temporary, renewable work visas or student/scholar visas.
  • Experience and Eligible Disciplines: Applicants must be an arts or cultural organization, or an artist, scholar, or arts professional. Applicants must have at least five years of experience in one of the eligible disciplines at the time of application and must propose activities within an eligible discipline. 

           Note: Graduate Fellowship applicants are not required to have five years of  professional experience.  

           Eligible Disciplines: Architecture (Design, History, and Theory), Archaeology, Art History, Arts Administration, Arts Criticism, Conservation, Crafts, Curation, Dance, Ethnomusicology, Film,* Literature, Museum Studies, Music, Theater, and Visual Art. 

                 * Note: Applicants who primarily work in or study video art or photography may apply under visual art. 

  • ACC Alumni: ACC welcomes applications from alumni; however:  
    • Alumni who have received an ACC grant in the last two calendar years are not eligible.
    • Alumni of the ACC New York Fellowship program cannot apply for another New York Fellowship.   
    • Alumni who previously received a six-month fellowship or similarly large grant are unlikely to receive another grant of comparable size. 
  • Budget: Eligible expenses may include travel, accommodation, daily expenses, museum and event tickets, interpreters, and other costs that enable these exchanges. Funding cannot be used to: 
    • Produce or promote specific, pre-planned projects, including performances, films, exhibitions, or publications. For example, grants cannot cover research for a book, filming for a documentary, or training for a future performance.  
    • Conduct promotional activities, including public relations, marketing or promotional travel (e.g. a book tour). 
    • Funding cannot be used exclusively to travel to an event.  
    • Purchase production capital or equipment However, funding can include reasonable rental fees for necessary equipment or meeting/workshop spaces used during the grant activities. 
    • Participate in full-time residency program. 

Selection Criteria 

Applications are assessed using the following criteria:  

  1. Alignment with ACC’s mission: Demonstrates strong alignment with ACC’s mission to advance mutual understanding through cultural exchange. Clearly explains how the fellowship experience will broaden the applicant’s horizons, support creative growth, and foster valuable international connections.  

  2. Time in the applicant’s career: Provides a clear rationale for why the proposed cultural exchange experience is important at this time.  

  3. Quality of proposal: Presents clear and feasible activities and objectives with the potential to impact the applicant, their work, and/or relevant communities.  

  4. Artistic or professional merit: Demonstrates high-level qualifications, excellence and originality in past work, and proposes meaningful contributions to the applicant’s field or artistic discipline.  

  5. Ability to communicate in the destination: Shows sufficient language proficiency or plans to address language barriers (e.g. budgeting for interpreters) to carry out the project. Demonstrates confidence in navigating cultural differences during the fellowship. Fellows traveling to the U.S. on an ACC-sponsored J-1 visa must demonstrate the ability to communicate in English as required by U.S. government regulations (see New York Fellowship and Individual Fellowship Guidelines). 

Selection Process 

ACC staff first review applications to confirm eligibility. Applications that do not meet the criteria, including those considered production grants, will not move forward. Eligible applications are then reviewed by experts across disciplines—including ACC alumni—who serve as panelists/jurors. Short-listed candidates are invited for a virtual interview. Final selections are approved by ACC’s Global Board of Trustees. 

Fellowship and Grant Opportunities

ACC offers four fellowship and grant programs to support immersive cultural exchange. Review the guidelines below for details and use the "How to Apply" section to begin. Applicants may apply to only one program per cycle.

New York Fellowship

Over a six-month period, a diverse cohort of artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia live in the United States and engage with a new cultural landscape, using this immersive experience to broaden their perspectives and inform the development of their artistic practices. This rare pause from daily life and work—shared with peers across disciplines—offers space for reflection, exploration, and meaningful exchange, free from the pressure to produce or present work. 

What does the New York Fellowship offer? 

Freedom to Explore: Fellows immerse themselves in New York City and U.S. cultural life—attending performances, exhibitions, workshops, and discussions—to inform their practice and broaden their perspectives. 

Peer-Learning and Exchange: Fellows join a diverse cohort from across Asia, sharing artistic perspectives, learning from one another, and building lasting connections. 

ACC Activities and Events: ACC organizes group activities that may include visits to arts and cultural institutions and attending performances and gatherings with local ACC alumni and artists in New York City. 

Individualized Programmatic and Logistical Support: ACC staff provide guidance on living in New York, achieving grant objectives, and connecting fellows with alumni and resources to support their fellowship activities. 

Subject to availability, New York Fellows may live at the International House (I-House), with fees deducted from the ACC grant (see “Grant Amounts and Payments” section). Fellows may also arrange their own housing, however, ACC cannot assist or assume responsibility for independent arrangements. 

Additional Eligibility Requirements for the New York Fellowship 

In addition to the general eligibility requirements, New York Fellowship applicants must: 

  • Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of an ACC-eligible country, territory, or region. (U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents are not eligible).  

  • Be at least 21 years old by the start of the fellowship.   

  • Not pursue paid work, university coursework, or teaching (in-person or online) during the fellowship. ACC asks grantees to take temporary leave from studies and work during the fellowship.  

  • Be confident using English to communicate and navigate daily tasks independently, as required for the J-1 visa. 

  • Not have previously received a New York Fellowship. 

Fellowship Period 

Fellows must commit to the full six-month New York Fellowship during one of the two cohort periods below. Applicants can indicate a preference, but ACC makes the final assignment of cohorts: 

  • January 1, 2028 – June 30, 2028  

  • July 1, 2028 – December 31, 2028 

Fellows must arrive in the U.S. by the first week of the program and stay until the last week of the program period. 

Fellowship Travel 

Fellows may travel within the U.S., but international travel is discouraged except for emergencies or short (under 10-day) career-related trips approved by ACC at least 60 days prior to the program start date (see “Visa Requirements”). 

Visa Requirements 

New York Fellows must enter the U.S. on a J-1 visa sponsored by ACC—no exceptions. The J-1 is a non-immigrant visa for exchange program participants, and both ACC and fellows must follow U.S. regulations, including:  

  • Visa process: ACC begins the J-1 sponsorship process six months before the fellowship. Fellows must provide information, review documents, and communicate with ACC staff. While ACC sponsors the visa, fellows are responsible for submitting the DS-160 application, paying the visa processing fee, and scheduling and attending visa interviews.  

  • Work restrictions: Fellows cannot do paid work while in the U.S. on the J-1 visa, including work performed for an employer or client outside the U.S. or work performed during the fellowship but paid later. Fellows also cannot perform or participate in ticketed, paid events (e.g., performances, lectures, workshops, or appearances where admission is charged), even if the fellow is not paid. Fellows with full-time jobs should arrange sabbaticals or leave with their employer.  

  • Travel requirements: Any travel outside the U.S. requires ACC’s prior written approval, authorization of international travel in the fellow’s DS-2019, and an “International Travel Liability Waiver” acknowledging that ACC is not responsible for incidents abroad. Essential work-related international travel must be approved at least 60 days before the fellowship start date. ACC reviews all international travel requests at its discretion. 

Grant Amount and Payments 

New York Fellows receive a $38,000 USD grant for the six-month fellowship, including a $3,000 USD advance for travel-related expenses (e.g. $185 USD DS-160 visa application fee, airfare, etc.) ACC covers certain pre-arrival costs that are deducted from the grant, including a $220 USD Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee, mandatory travel health insurance ($675-800 USD), and I-House housing, if desired (estimated at $19,400-$20,600 USD for six months). Fellows can expect $10,000–$31,100 USD after their arrival in the U.S., depending on their insurance rate and housing selection. 

Individual Fellowship

With a flexible, often shorter timeframe of one to six months, the Individual Fellowship gives artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the U.S. the opportunity to pursue research, self-directed exploration and cultural immersion experiences in a new or less familiar environment, fostering peer-to-peer dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. 

An Individual Fellowship is not a residency to produce new work, a fund to attend or participate in a single conference or event (i.e. not a travel grant), or an individual’s public relations tour. Rather, Individual Fellows explore questions and activities that enable and promote cultural immersion. These experiences and relationships lead to invaluable creative inspiration, collaborative opportunities, and a more global and nuanced perspective. 

What does the Individual Fellowship offer? 

Freedom to Explore: This fellowship supports travel to countries, territories, or regions that are new or less familiar to applicants, enabling them to pursue self-designed research and cultural exchange activities. 

Examples of past Individual Fellow activities include: 

  • Interviewing or meeting professionals and other stakeholders who can provide relevant expertise  
  • Visiting institutions (e.g., studios, museums, galleries, theaters, libraries) or attending events (e.g., exhibitions, performances, lectures, film screenings) aligned with their research and exchange goals 
  • Participating in workshops, symposia, or discussions that advance the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and practices and connects fellows with new communities  
  • Conducting archival research 

Individualized Support: ACC offers guidance to enhance proposed activities, expand access to arts and culture, and deepen cultural exchange experiences. Support may include logistical or research advice, introductions to alumni or professionals, invitations to local events, and visa assistance for U.S. travel. 

ACC offices are in New York, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan, so some services may be limited depending on the location of the fellowship. Proposals should be feasible even without extensive ACC support. 

Single and Joint Applicants 

ACC accepts applications from individuals (“single applicants”) as well as joint applicants, which include a primary applicant (who submits and manages the application) and up to two co-applicants, for a maximum of three applicants. 

Joint applications are intended for two or three artists or arts professionals who share research and cultural exchange goals and can execute the fellowship as equal partners. Applicants must explain their shared objectives in the application. 

All applicants, including co-applicants, must meet ACC’s eligibility requirements, commit to traveling for the full duration of the proposed fellowship, and participate equally in all activities—no assistant or secondary roles are allowed. 

The maximum award for an Individual Fellowship is $35,000 USD, regardless of the number of applicants. 

Application instructions for single and joint applicants can be found in the "How to Apply" section.

Additional Eligibility Requirements for the Individual Fellowship 

In addition to the general eligibility requirements, all Individual Fellowship applicants and their co-applicants must 

  • Be citizens or legal permanent residents of an ACC-eligible country, territory, or region.  
  • Be at least 21 years old by the start of the fellowship.   
  • Not pursue university coursework or teaching (in-person or online) during the fellowship. Individual Fellows should take a temporary leave of absence from these activities during their fellowship. 
  • If traveling to the U.S., be confident using English to communicate and navigate daily tasks independently, as required for the J-1 visa. 

Eligible Fellowship Travel Destinations 

Applicants to the Individual Fellowship program may propose travel to the following countries, territories, and regions: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China (Mainland), East Timor, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, U.S., and Vietnam 

Additional notes: 

  • Applicants cannot propose travel to the country, territory, or region where they currently reside, regardless of citizenship or permanent residence. 
  • Travel to a familiar location—where applicants have lived for over a year or hold citizenship—requires a strong rationale demonstrating a unique and meaningful cultural exchange.  
  • Proposals with multiple destinations or short travel durations are generally less competitive. 

Fellowship Travel Dates and Duration 

  • All ACC fellowship travel must occur within the grant period: August 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028. 
  • Individual Fellowships must have a duration of at least one month, but no more than six months. 
    • ACC believes that cultural exchange and immersion is enhanced when Individual Fellows spend a greater period of time (at least two months, preferably) exploring one place, rather than visiting multiple countries, territories, or regions for a shorter period. It is also important to consider logistical challenges and/or restrictions related to traveling to multiple countries, territories, or regions during a fellowship. 
  • Applicants pursuing a fellowship in the U.S. must plan to spend at least 30 consecutive days in the country.
  • Fellowships in the U.S. cannot commence prior to October 1, 2027, due to the time needed to administer J-1 visas (see “Visa Requirements” section below). 
  • Applicants pursuing a fellowship in Asia must propose at least 30 cumulative (total) days in the region.  
    • If a visa does not allow travel for more than 30 consecutive days, applicants may propose multiple trips totaling at least 30 days. Each trip must be at least 14 consecutive days, with no more than 14 days between trips.  
    • Applicants proposing multiple shorter trips to the same destination should explain how they will fully engage with the local culture despite these breaks. 
    • Applicants proposing a single brief trip (e.g., three weeks) as part of a multi-destination itinerary should provide a rationale for the short duration (e.g. three weeks in China after two months in Japan)   
  • ACC strongly discourages travel outside the proposed destinations during the fellowship, with the exception of medical and family emergencies (see also the “Visa Requirements” section below). Individual Fellows who have essential and unavoidable career-related travel needs must submit a “Change in Proposed Grant Activity” Form seeking ACC’s approval at least 60 days before the fellowship start date. 

Visa Requirements 

Fellowships in the U.S. 

Individual Fellows who travel to the U.S. for their fellowship and who do not have a U.S. passport must obtain a J-1 visa that ACC sponsors–no exceptions. The J-1 is a non-immigrant visa for exchange program participants, and both ACC and Fellows must follow U.S. regulations, including:  

  • Visa process: ACC begins the J-1 sponsorship process six months before the fellowship. Fellows must provide information, review documents, and communicate with ACC staff. While ACC sponsors the visa, fellows are responsible for submitting the DS-160 application, paying the visa processing fee, and scheduling and attending visa interviews.  

  • Work restrictions: Fellows cannot do paid work while in the U.S. on the J-1 visa, including work performed for an employer or client outside the U.S. or work performed during the fellowship but paid later. Fellows also cannot perform or participate in ticketed, paid events (e.g., performances, lectures, workshops, or appearances where admission is charged), even if the fellow is not paid. Fellows with full-time jobs should arrange sabbaticals or leave with their employer.  

  • Travel requirements: Any travel outside the U.S. requires ACC’s prior written approval, authorization of international travel in the fellow’s DS-2019, and an “International Travel Liability Waiver” acknowledging that ACC is not responsible for incidents abroad. Essential work-related international travel must be approved at least 60 days before the fellowship start date. ACC reviews all international travel requests at its discretion. 

Fellowships in Asia 

Individual Fellows who travel to or within Asia for their fellowship are responsible for securing any required visas. This includes collecting and submitting the application materials, scheduling visa appointments, and paying fees, which may be covered by ACC grant funds if included in the budget.  

Before applying for an Individual Fellowship in Asia, applicants should carefully review the travel regulations of their destination country, territory, or region and understand the visa and travel permission requirements. Applicants who are unsure about their eligibility to travel should contact the appropriate embassy or consulate for guidance. 

Grant Amount and Budget 

Individual Fellows may receive up to $35,000 USD in grant funding. Award amounts are determined by ACC based on the proposed budget, planned activities, travel destination(s) and duration, and overall application quality. 

Applicants should submit a reasonable and realistic budget. Examples of eligible and ineligible grant expenses are included below. Grant amounts may be adjusted if the proposed fellowship changes. 

Eligible Grant Expenses 

Applicants should only include eligible expenses in their budget. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to: 

  • Airfare (economy class only)   
  • Local and regional ground transportation 
  • Accommodation   
  • Food 
  • Other daily living expenses  
  • Visa-related fees and expenses, if necessary 
    • Individual Fellowships in the U.S.: ACC will deduct $220 USD from your grant to pay your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) processing fee (I-901) for the J-1 visa. Grantees must pay an additional $185 USD fee for their J-1 visa application.  
  • Mandatory travel health insurance and other insurance as needed  
    • Individual Fellowships in the U.S.: ACC will deduct a travel health insurance fee from the grant. The fee varies based on age and travel duration (for reference, generally $675–$800 USD for a six-month trip). 
    • Individual Fellowships in Asia: Fellows must purchase and provide proof of mandatory travel health insurance with the following coverage requirements: at least $100,000 USD per accident or illness, at least $25,000 USD for repatriation expenses, and at least $50,000 USD for medical evacuation, with a deductible under $500 USD. ACC suggests that you obtain insurance estimates in advance of submitting your budget.  
  • Interpretation services, if necessary 
  • Costs and fees relevant to the cultural exchange and immersion activities, research, and objectives 

Ineligible Grant Expenses  

Examples of ineligible expenses that you cannot include in your budget or purchase with ACC grant funds:  

  • First-class, business class, or other airfare higher than economy class (with exceptions for those with medical-based exemptions)   
  • Equipment, staffing, or services supporting the production of works for public or commercial consumption (examples: filming a documentary, recording an album, or publishing a book)  
  • Any expenses to support the travel of individuals who are not co-applicants 

For additional information about Individual Fellowship budgets, including ACC’s budget template and upload instructions, please see the "How to Apply" section below. 

Graduate Fellowship

ACC gives a small number of Graduate Fellowship grants to support the travel and living expenses of graduate students from Asia who choose to study in the U.S. because comparable programs are not available or underrepresented in their home country, territory, or region. 

While the grant is academic by nature, by studying in a less familiar environment, fellows are exposed to new ideas beyond the classroom. The Graduate Fellowship program aims to advance international cultural exchange and to enrich and broaden scholarly narratives and critical discourse by increasing access to academic training in the arts and cultural fields.

What does the Graduate Fellowship offer? 

Funding for Travel and Living Expenses: ACC’s Graduate Fellowships provide $15,000 USD for one academic year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. An academic year includes full-time coursework from Fall 2027–Spring 2028 or Spring 2028–Fall 2028. 

Funding supports travel and living expenses during the coursework phase only. It does not cover tuition, research costs (e.g., fieldwork travel, equipment), or applicants in the research/thesis phase of their program. 

Connection to the ACC Community: In addition to financial support, ACC welcomes Graduate Fellows into a global network of artists, scholars, and institutions. Staff may facilitate introductions to relevant alumni, and fellows are encouraged to share updates on their work through ACC newsletters and events. 

Eligibility Requirements 

In addition to the general eligibility requirements, applicants must meet the following: 

  • Be citizens or legal permanent residents of ACC eligible countries, territories, or regions (U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not eligible).   

  • Be pursuing a graduate degree in one of ACC’s 16 eligible disciplines.  

  • Be enrolled full-time, in-residence graduate program in the U.S., or provide proof of admission by April 1, 2027.   

  • Be in the coursework phase of their program (not eligible if applicant is only in the research/thesis phase).  

  • Complete at least two consecutive semesters of full-time coursework during the grant period (August 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028); part-time, summer-only, online, and non-degree programs are not eligible. 

Visa Requirements 

Graduate Fellows must have a valid student visa to attend their program in the U.S.; ACC does not sponsor student visas. Please contact your current or prospective university for more information. 

Grant Renewal 

Graduate Fellows may be eligible for one additional year of funding (two semesters), pending ACC’s review of their academic record and proof of continued enrollment. Renewal is at ACC’s sole discretion, and fellows will be notified of the decision.

Organization Grant

The ACC Organization Grant program enables arts and culture organizations in Asia and the U.S. to pursue activities that foster meaningful cultural exchange for their staff, communities, and collaborators. The grant may support an organization’s participants to travel to another country, territory, or region for their activities and/or invite and host activity participants in the country, territory, or region where the organization is based.

What do ACC’s Organization Grants offer? 

Exploration and Exchange: ACC supports Organization Grantees with funding for cultural immersion, research, and access to artistic communities. Grantees also exchange knowledge with peers, fostering cross-border relationships and future collaboration. 

Individualized Support: ACC offers guidance to enhance proposed activities, expand access to artistic communities, and deepen cultural exchange experiences. Support services may include: 

  • Advice on logistical or substantive aspects of your activities  

  • Introductions to ACC alumni, arts professionals, and relevant institutions 

  • Invitations to local ACC events and gatherings, when possible 

ACC offices are in New York, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan, so some services may be limited depending on the location of the grant activities. Proposals should be feasible even without extensive ACC support. 

Organization Eligibility 

Organizations must meet the following requirements: 

  • Be a nonprofit organization, a government-affiliated or sponsored arts/cultural institution (e.g., national museums, performing arts centers), or an academic/higher education institution  

  • Be legally registered and based in an ACC-eligible country, territory, or region (see list here). 

  • Have at least five years of artistic and/or cultural programming experience 

Activity Lead and Activity Participant Eligibility 

Organizations applying for a grant must designate a primary contact, an activity lead, and activity participants

  • Primary Contact – The staff member or representative who submits and manages the application on behalf of the organization.  

  • Activity Lead – Manages the execution of grant activities in the destination country, territory, or region. The activity lead may also serve as the primary contact. 

  • Activity Participants – Individuals who support or take part in the grant activities on-site. Participants may include organization staff or external collaborators. 

The activity lead and all activity participants must be citizens or legal permanent residents of at least one ACC-eligible country, territory, or region. They do not need to share the same citizenship or residency, nor be from the same country, territory, or region as the organization. For example, a Singaporean organization’s director (the “activity lead”) may be a citizen of Malaysia, while activity participants are citizens of several different Southeast Asian countries.

Grant Activity Travel 

Organization Grants support one to six months of travel for the activity lead and/or participants to an ACC-eligible country, territory, or region. 

Organization Grantees may: 

  • Send the activity lead and participants to another location to carry out proposed activities  

  • Host participants who travel to the country, territory, or region where the organization is based 

Eligible Destinations 

Eligible countries, territories, and regions for grant activity travel include: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China (Mainland), East Timor, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, U.S., and Vietnam. 

Additional Notes for Organization Grants: 

  • Travel to a location where the activity lead or participants have spent over one year requires a strong rationale showing how the proposed activities offer a unique and meaningful cultural exchange.  

  • Proposals involving multiple destinations or short travel durations are generally less competitive.  

  • ACC does not sponsor visas. Organizations must secure visas and other travel permissions for their activity lead and participants. 

Grant Travel Dates and Minimum Duration 

  • All ACC-funded travel must occur within the grant period: August 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028.  

  • Travel to the U.S.: Applicants must plan to spend at least 30 consecutive days in the U.S. 

  • Travel to or within Asia: Applicants must plan at least 30 cumulative days in Asia.  

    • If visas limit travel to fewer than 30 consecutive days, multiple trips may be proposed, each lasting at least 14 consecutive days and with no more than 14 days between trips.  

    • Proposals with multiple brief trips or a single short trip as part of a multi-destination itinerary must include a rationale explaining how participants will achieve meaningful cultural immersion. 

  • Competitive proposals allow sufficient uninterrupted time (ideally two months or more) for cultural exchange, immersion, and relationship-building. Logistical challenges for multi-country travel should be considered.  

  • Grantees, activity leads, and participants should not suspend activities or leave the destination(s) during the grant period, except for medical or family emergencies. Significant scheduling conflicts require submitting a change request at least 60 days before travel for ACC approval. 

Visa Requirements 

While ACC does not sponsor visas for Organization Grantees, applicants must understand the following:  

  • Before applying for an Organization Grant, applicants must research visa requirements and any other travel permissions relevant to their travel plans.  

  • Applicants must ensure that the activity lead and activity participants will be able to meet all necessary visa and travel permission requirements if they are awarded a grant.  

Grant Amount and Budget 

ACC may award Organization Grants of up to $50,000 USD.  ACC determines grant award amounts based on a review of the applicant’s proposed budget, activities, travel duration, and overall application quality. ACC asks applicants to submit a budget that is reasonable and realistic with regards to the plan of activities, travel costs, visa-related expenses, travel health insurance, interpretation services (if necessary), and the cost of living where the activities will take place. Please also note that grant amounts may be adjusted if there are changes to the proposed fellowship. 

Eligible Grant Expenses 

Applicants should only include eligible expenses in their budget. Eligible expenses include: 

  • Airfare (economy class only)  
  • Local and regional ground transportation 
  • Accommodation  
  • Food 
  • Other daily living expenses  
  • Visa-related fees and expenses, if necessary 
  • Mandatory travel health insurance and other insurance as needed 
    • ACC requires Organization Grantees to purchase and provide proof of mandatory travel health insurance with the following coverage requirements for all individuals who travel internationally as part of the grant (i.e. activity lead and activity participants): at least $100,000 USD per accident or illness, at least $25,000 USD for repatriation expenses, and at least $50,000 USD for medical evacuation, with a deductible under $500 USD. ACC suggests that you obtain insurance estimates in advance of submitting your budget. 
  • Interpretation services, if necessary 
  • Costs and fees relevant to the research and cultural immersion and exchange objectives 

Ineligible Grant Expenses 

Examples of ineligible expenses that you cannot include in your budget:  

  • First-class, business class, or other airfare higher than economy class (with exceptions for those with medical-based exemptions)  
  • Equipment, staffing, or services supporting the production of works for public or commercial consumption (examples: filming a documentary, recording an album, or publishing a book)  
  • Capital expenses or equipment purchases 
  • Any expenses to support travel of individuals who are not part of the proposal as the activity lead or activity participants 

For additional information about Organization Budgets, including ACC’s budget template and upload instructions, please see the "How to Apply" section below. 

How to Apply

Please carefully review the instructions below to learn more about submitting an application to ACC. As a reminder, you may submit an application for only one ACC fellowship or grant type per grant cycle. 

Deadline 

Applications must be submitted by November 10, 2026, at 9:59 AM Eastern Time (ET). Recommenders must submit their letters by November 16, at 9:59 AM ET. Learn more about the letter of recommendation requirements further below. As applicants must submit their application before their recommender can upload their letter, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

GoApply Application Portal 

Applications must be submitted through GoApply, ACC’s application platform. ACC will not accept applications via email. Previous applicants may log in to their account with their email and password.  

Use the latest version of Apple Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox to reduce technical errors on GoApply. 

Applicants must register for a GoApply Account to submit an application. Returning users may log in with their existing account by clicking here. Applicants who are applying for the Individual Fellowship, New York Fellowship, or Graduate Fellowship program should create an “Individual Account.” Applicants to the Organization Grant program should create an “Organization Account.” Detailed GoApply registration instructions are available in EnglishChinese, and Japanese

To start an application, open the “Opportunities” menu item in your GoApply account, and then click on the “View” button next to the application you wish to complete. You may also click one of the links below to open an application:

  • Individual Fellowship  
  • New York Fellowship 
  • Graduate Fellowship  
  • Organization Grant 

Please note that ACC’s GoApply applications will only be available from October 1, at 9:59 AM Eastern Time to November 10, 2026, at 9:59 AM ET. 

Note for Joint Individual Fellowship and Organization Grant Applicants 

The primary applicant should create a GoApply account and prepare and submit the application on behalf of their co-applicants or organization colleagues. Co-applicants and colleagues may use the primary applicant’s GoApply account to independently access and complete portions of the application, as needed, but please note that only one person should access the application at a time to avoid losing unsaved work or overwriting another applicant’s work. 

Eligibility Quiz 

After entering GoApply, the application begins with an eligibility quiz, which will ask questions assessing your eligibility based on ACC’s grant guidelines. Only applicants whose responses confirm their eligibility will be allowed to proceed with the rest of the application.  

If you are not sure how to respond to an eligibility quiz question, please contact the relevant ACC representative office (see here).

Application Materials 

In addition to responding to application questions, applicants must be prepared to provide additional materials according to their desired fellowship or grant program. Please see the matrix below, take note of required items marked with an asterisk, and review additional instructions regarding specific items further below.  

 

 

New York Fellowship 

Individual Fellowship 

Graduate Fellowship 

Organization Grant 

Biographical Data and Contact Information * 

(Primary applicant & activity lead) 

CV/Resume and Biography * 

(Including for any co-applicant(s)) 

(Activity lead & activity participants) 

Personal / Artist Statement * 

(Including for any co-applicant(s)) 

 

3 Work Samples * 

(See instructions below) 

(Including for any co-applicant(s)) 

(Representative of the organization) 

Letter of Recommendation * 
(See instructions below) 

(Including for any co-applicant(s)) 

2 Professional Contacts * 

(See instructions below) 

(Including for any co-applicant(s)) 

Budget * (See instructions below) 

 

 

Graduate Program Information * 

 

 

 

Graduate Program Admissions Letter 

 

 

 
(If already admitted or enrolled) 

 

Names and citizenship/residency status of activity participants * 

 

 

 

Organization’s Logo * 

 

 

 

Proof of Organization’s Nonprofit Status * 

 

 

 

 

Work Samples 

Applicants must provide up to three work samples that best exemplify their work. Work sample attachments may include image files (JPEG or PNG) or PDF files containing images, links to videos, audio clips, or other relevant media or materials to support your application. (See examples of work samples.) Please refer to the work sample guidelines listed below.  

  • Audio/Video-based Samples: Applicants may submit a PDF with URLs for up to three audio or video clips that each contain no more than three minutes of content. Staff and review panelists/jurors will review only the first three minutes of audio or video provided in clips that are longer than three minutes.   

  • Image-based Samples: Applicants may submit their image-based work samples in PDF, JPEG, and PNG formats. PDFs may contain no more than two pages of images per work or exhibition sample. Multiple images and captions are allowed on the same page, but they must be from the same work or exhibition sample. You can submit images for up to three works/exhibitions. 

  • Text/Literary Samples: Applicants may submit PDFs containing no more than five pages per work sample (literature, art history, art criticism, etc.).  

  • Multimedia Samples: Applicants may submit a PDF containing a combination of images (no more than two pages), text (no more than five pages), and/or links to video/audio clips (no more than three minutes) for a single work or exhibition. 

Joint Individual Fellowship Applicants: The primary applicant and co-applicant(s) must independently submit three work samples. 

Organization Grant Applicants: The work samples should reflect your organization’s past activities and/or work product. 

Recommendation Letter and Professional Contacts 

Recommenders: ACC asks each applicant to provide contact information for one person who will submit a letter of recommendation on their behalf.* See more information on recommendation letters further below. 

              * Applicants for a Joint Individual Fellowship must each have their own separate recommenders. 

Professional Contacts: ACC also asks each applicant to provide contact information for two professional contacts whom ACC can contact to discuss your application, as needed.* 

Conflicts of Interest 

The recommender and professional contacts should not be ACC trustees, staff, or donors. All applicants will be asked to sign a conflict-of-interest statement attesting that their recommender and professional contacts, to the best of their knowledge, are not ACC trustees, staff, or donors. 

Letter of Recommendation Deadline 

Your recommender must upload their letter(s) of recommendation to GoApply after you have submitted your application. Once you submit your application, your recommender(s) will receive an email containing a link and instructions for uploading their letter(s) to GoApply. 

Please ask your recommender to note their institutional affiliation in their letter and to write their letter on institutional letterhead, if applicable. Recommenders may address their letters as they wish (“Dear Asian Cultural Council,...”). ACC has no further formatting requirements. We only ask that your recommender sufficiently describe their familiarity with your work and why they support your proposal. 

Your application must be received by November 10, 2026, at 9:59 AM U.S. Eastern Time (ET). Recommenders must submit their letters by November 16, 2026 at 9:59 AM ET. ACC strongly recommends that you ask your recommender(s) to prepare their letter(s) in advance and that you submit your application early, so that your recommender(s) has/have enough time to upload their letter(s).  

Your application will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed if we do not receive your letter(s) of recommendation before the November 16 deadline.

Uploading a Budget 

Individual Fellowship and Organization Grant applicants submit a budget using ACC’s Excel template, which is provided in the GoApply application’s budget section. The template will ask for detailed budget information, including descriptions of proposed expenses, quantities, estimated USD amounts, and links or comments justifying these expenses, as needed. For more information about eligible and ineligible expenses and other budget requirements, please refer to the Grant Amount and Budget section of the Individual Fellowship and Organization Grant guidelines. 

Bilingual Applications 

In addition to submitting question responses in English, applicants who apply through ACC Hong Kong, ACC Japan, or ACC Taiwan should refer to their respective bilingual application requirements and links shown below. Please note that links to eligibility quizzes and bilingual application forms will be active starting on October 1, at 9:59 AM ET.  

ACC Hong Kong 
(Optional) 

Citizens or permanent residents of Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Mainland China who apply through ACC Hong Kong, may submit an optional copy of their application in either traditional or simplified Chinese.  

Individual Fellowship* 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Chinese) 

  • Application (Chinese) 

New York Fellowship 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Chinese) 

  • Application (Chinese) 

Graduate Fellowship 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Chinese) 

  • Application (Chinese) 

Organization Grant 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Chinese) 

  • Application (Chinese) 

ACC Japan 
(Required) 

Citizens or permanent residents of Japan who apply through ACC Japan must submit an additional copy of their application in Japanese, CV(s)/resume(s) in both English and Japanese, and descriptions or captions of work samples in both English and Japanese. ACC Japan requests recommendation letters in either Japanese or English. 

Individual Fellowship* 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Japanese) 

  • Application (Japanese) 

New York Fellowship 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Japanese) 

  • Application (Japanese) 

Graduate Fellowship 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Japanese) 

  • Application (Japanese) 

Organization Grant 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Japanese) 

  • Application (Japanese) 

ACC Taiwan 
(Required) 

Citizens or permanent residents of Taiwan who apply through ACC Taiwan must submit an additional copy of their application in traditional Chinese, CV(s)/resume(s) in both English and traditional Chinese, and descriptions or captions of work samples in both English and traditional Chinese. ACC Taiwan asks applicants to obtain a letter of recommendation written in both traditional Chinese and English, if possible. If the recommender cannot write in traditional Chinese, they may submit a letter that is only in English. 

Individual Fellowship* 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Chinese) 

  • Application (Chinese) 

New York Fellowship 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Chinese) 

  • Application (Chinese) 

Graduate Fellowship 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Chinese) 

  • Application (Chinese) 

Organization Grant 

  • Eligibility Quiz (Chinese) 

  • Application (Chinese) 

* If you are preparing an application with one or two co-applicants, you only need to submit one bilingual application on behalf of the group. 

Contacting ACC About Your Application

For all questions about program eligibility, please email the appropriate ACC representative office based on your citizenship or permanent resident status and where you predominantly reside, as noted below. The relevant office will also receive and review your application once submitted.

For example, a Japanese citizen living and working in Japan should contact ACC Japan to ask questions about their proposal or eligibility and select ACC Japan when submitting their application. A Japanese citizen temporarily living in Germany should also contact and submit their questions to ACC Japan. However, a Japanese citizen who predominantly lives in Taiwan and has permanent resident status in Taiwan should contact and submit their application to ACC Taiwan. 

Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents of: 

Contact Info: 

Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR 

ACC Hong Kong: acc@acc.org.hk 

Japan 

ACC Japan: application@accjpn.org 

Philippines 

ACC Philippines: accphilippines@gmail.com 

Taiwan  

ACC Taiwan: application@acctf.org 

All other eligible countries, territories, and regions (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, U.S., and Vietnam) 

ACC’s New York Office: application@accny.org 

Manage Your Application or Grant

Applicants can log in to their GoApply account to access in-progress or submitted applications 

If you have difficulty accessing your GoApply account, please email application@accny.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ACC has prepared responses to a number of frequently asked questions we have received from applicants over the years.