The Asian Cultural Council (ACC), a New York City-based nonprofit committed to fostering transformative cultural exchange within Asia and between the US and Asia, has opened the application period for its 2026 grant and fellowship programs. Interested candidates and organizations can submit their applications from October 1 to November 19, 2025.

Now in its sixth decade of service, ACC is dedicated to nurturing meaningful international connections and deepening cultural understanding by supporting visionary artists, scholars, cultural practitioners, and organizations across Asia and the US. ACC’s fellowships and grants emphasize immersive cultural experiences, collaborative partnerships, and the building of lasting relationships that transcend national borders.

ACC’s Core Mission

Founded in 1963 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, ACC was originally established to facilitate artistic and scholarly exchange that promotes peaceful international dialogue and mutual respect through the arts. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in New York City, complemented by affiliated foundations in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Manila.

ACC’s Dialogue-Driven Approach

ACC’s mission centers on advancing cross-cultural exchange by enabling grantees to engage authentically with cultures different from their own. Unlike other arts funding bodies that focus on final outputs or productions, ACC places special emphasis on immersion, dialogue, and the process of cultural exchange. This approach offers grantees the invaluable opportunity to live, learn, and collaborate within new cultural contexts, fostering personal growth, intercultural understanding and respect, and global collaboration and innovation.

ACC’s Global Impact

Since its inception, ACC has played a pivotal role in bridging diverse cultures through the arts and scholarship. By investing in individuals and organizations across disciplines including the visual and performing arts, museum studies, literature, and cultural preservation, ACC has cultivated a vibrant network of cultural exchange alumni who actively promote global understanding.

With over 60 years of legacy, ACC has granted more than USD 100 million to approximately 6,000 fellows and grantees from 26 countries, regions, and territories, spanning 16 cultural disciplines. Through its dynamic programs, ACC continues to influence a global network of cultural leaders and creative professionals who contribute to a more interconnected and harmonious world.

2026 Fellowship and Grant Opportunities

ACC’s 2026 grant cycle offers four distinct programs to support diverse cultural exchange experiences:

• New York Fellowship: This six-month program enables artists and cultural professionals to immerse themselves in the vibrant artistic and cultural landscape of New York City and the US. Fellows gain access to an array of institutions and communities, enriching their creative and intellectual practices.
• Individual Fellowship: Offering more tailored flexibility, this program supports cultural immersion projects of varying lengths and in diverse locations. Fellows determine the timing, duration, and budget specifics to fit their unique cultural exploration goals.
• Graduate Fellowship: Designed for graduate students from eligible Asian countries currently admitted to US graduate programs, this fellowship provides living stipends to aid in their academic and cultural adjustment, enabling a fruitful educational experience.
• Organization Grant: This grant supports arts and cultural organizations whose programming would benefit from cultural research and enhanced access to artistic networks in specific countries or regions. These grants empower institutions to foster international collaboration and expand their community impact.

Eligibility

Applicants must satisfy general eligibility criteria and any requirements specific to their chosen fellowship or grant.

ACC welcomes applications from citizens or legal permanent residents from 26 countries, regions, and territories:

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 ROC
Thailand
Vietnam
United States

ACC accepts applications in the following disciplines:

Archaeology
Architecture (for design, aesthetic theory, and/or aesthetic history only)
Art History
Arts Administration
Arts Criticism
Conservation
Crafts
Curation
Dance
Ethnomusicology
Film/Video/Photography
Literature
Museum Studies
Music
Theater
Visual Art

How to Apply and Learn More

The period for application begins on October 1 and ends on November 19, 2025. Activities supported by the 2026 grant cycle are expected to occur between August 1, 2026 and December 31, 2027.

Prospective fellows and organizations can find comprehensive information and application materials on the Asian Cultural Council’s official grant opportunities page at www.asianculturalcouncil.org/grant-opportunities.

For questions or further information, prospective applicants may contact ACC at application@accny.org.