The New York Fellowship, run by the Asian Cultural Council (ACC), supports artists and arts and culture professionals from Asia for a six-month residency immersing in the cultural life of New York City and the United States. Fellows join a cohort, develop their practice, and build peer and professional networks.
The program awards a $35,000 grant per fellow and arranges J-1 exchange-visitor visa sponsorship. Fellows choose one of two six-month cohorts beginning January or July 2027.
Benefits & funding
- Grant of $35,000 USD for the six-month fellowship.
- $3,000 USD travel advance toward airfare.
- J-1 exchange-visitor visa sponsorship (DS-2019); ACC deducts the $220 DS-2019 fee and $675–800 travel health insurance from the grant.
- Optional subsidized housing at International House New York (deducted $19,400–20,600 for six months if selected); fellows may also arrange their own housing.
- Cohort-based peer learning, mentorship, and access to ACC’s alumni and arts network in New York.
Eligibility
- Citizens or legal permanent residents of ACC’s eligible Asian countries, territories, and regions (see list below); applicants cannot be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
- At least five years of professional experience in an eligible arts or culture discipline.
- Over the age of 21 by the fellowship start.
- Confident in English for daily communication and J-1 compliance.
- Not currently pursuing university coursework or teaching; not a previous New York Fellowship recipient.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
Afghanistan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Brunei · Cambodia · China · Timor-Leste · Hong Kong · India · Indonesia · Japan · South Korea
+ 13 more
Laos · Macau · Malaysia · Mongolia · Myanmar · Nepal · Pakistan · Philippines · Singapore · Sri Lanka · Taiwan · Thailand · Vietnam
Residence required
Afghanistan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Brunei · Cambodia · China · Timor-Leste · Hong Kong · India · Indonesia · Japan · South Korea
+ 13 more
Laos · Macau · Malaysia · Mongolia · Myanmar · Nepal · Pakistan · Philippines · Singapore · Sri Lanka · Taiwan · Thailand · Vietnam
Experience required
≥ 5 yrs
Age requirement
≥ 21 yrs
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Create or log in to a GoApply account on ACC’s application platform when the cycle opens (early October).
- 2Complete the New York Fellowship application, including your background, proposed activities, and discipline.
- 3Submit before the November deadline; shortlisted applicants are reviewed and notified ahead of the cohort start.
Program timeline
Applications open on GoApply (2026 cycle)
Oct 1, 2025
Application deadline (2026 cycle)
Nov 19, 2025
First six-month cohort
Jan 1, 2027 to Jun 30, 2027
Second six-month cohort
Jul 1, 2027 to Dec 31, 2027