The Asian Cultural Council is inviting applications from artists, scholars and arts professionals across eligible Asian countries for a six-month cultural exchange programme in New York. Applications close on November 10, 2026.

Artists and cultural professionals seeking international exposure can now apply for the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) New York Fellowship 2028 in the United States. The fully funded programme offers selected participants an opportunity to spend six months in New York City, engage with the international arts community and explore new approaches to their creative and professional work.

The fellowship is designed to promote cultural exchange by bringing together artists, researchers, scholars and professionals from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds. Participants will have opportunities to attend exhibitions, performances, workshops and discussions while building connections with artists and cultural institutions.

The programme offers two cohorts in 2028: January 1 to June 30 and July 1 to December 31. Applicants may indicate their preferred period, although the final placement will be decided by ACC.

ACC New York Fellowship 2028: Financial Benefits

Selected fellows will receive financial assistance to support their six-month stay in the United States. The benefits include:

• International airfare: Economy-class round-trip flights.
• Accommodation: Housing support in New York.
• Living expenses: Financial assistance for food and daily needs.
• Local transportation: Support for travel within the city.
• Health insurance: Mandatory travel health insurance.
• Visa expenses: Assistance with eligible visa-related costs.
• Cultural activities: Support for eligible museum admissions, event tickets and other cultural experiences.

ACC staff will also guide participants in accessing local resources and navigating their stay in New York.

Eligible fields and disciplines

The fellowship welcomes professionals from a wide range of artistic and cultural backgrounds, including:

• Architecture, archaeology and art history.
• Arts administration, criticism and curation.
• Conservation, crafts and museum studies.
• Dance, music and ethnomusicology.
• Film, literature and theatre.
• Visual arts.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be citizens or legal permanent residents of an ACC-eligible country, territory or region and must be at least 21 years old when the fellowship begins.

Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in an eligible artistic or cultural discipline. They must also demonstrate sufficient English-language proficiency to communicate independently and meet the requirements for a J-1 exchange visitor visa.

Selected participants must travel to the United States on a J-1 visa sponsored by ACC.

Eligible countries and territories include India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and several others.

How to apply?

Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the Asian Cultural Council’s GoApply portal. Applicants should review the official guidelines and prepare the required information before completing the application.

Application deadline: November 10, 2026.

The fellowship offers an opportunity for established artists and cultural professionals to expand their international networks, exchange ideas and gain a deeper understanding of the global arts landscape.