The ACC New York Fellowship aims to promote cross-cultural exchange between Asia and the United States, providing opportunities for artists, scholars, and cultural professionals to immerse themselves in different cultures and build meaningful networks. This is one of the best fellowship opportunities for young minds around the world. The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) offers fellowships that allow participants to immerse themselves in the cultural landscape of New York City. The New York Fellowship is a 6-month program that provides support to artists and arts and culture professionals working across disciplines, empowering them to take risks, develop their artistic practices, and take time to immerse themselves in the rich and varied cultural life of New York City and the United States.
This fellowship program offers grants of up to $35,000 to New York Fellows for the duration of the fellowship. The grant will cover J-1 visa fees and mandatory travel health insurance, and ACC may also assist in obtaining housing for the New York Fellowship at the International House The New York Fellowship program is divided into two 6-month cohorts during a calendar year. The first cohort period is from January to June and the second cohort period is from July to December. 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. Applications are open from October 1, 2024, to November 18, 2024.
Universities/Institutions Involved
The fellowship is not tied to a specific university. Instead, participants can engage in activities across various cultural, academic, or arts institutions in New York. The focus is on non-degree programs, workshops, or residencies lasting one academic year, with potential renewal options.
Study Areas
- Art history
- Museum studies
- Literature
- Performing arts (dance, music, theater)
- Visual arts
- Film, photography, ethnomusicology, and more
Fellowship Benefits
- Grant Amount: Up to $35,000
- J-1 visa sponsorship and health insurance
- This grant will cover $220 for the J-1 visa fees.
- $150-$200 will be for mandatory travel health insurance.
- In addition, around $18,000-19,000 will be for a six-month stay at International House.
- These expenses will be deducted from the grant amount and fellows will receive $15,580 – $16,630 after they come to New York.
- Fellows can opt for a $3,000 advance to cover travel expenses before they arrive in the U.S.
- New York Fellows may choose to receive a USD 3,000 advance payment before they arrive in the U.S., to pay for travel-related expenses in advance.
- While ACC will manage payments for the above expenses, New York Fellows must pay $185 separately for their visa processing application (DS-160) as well as their airfare and other related costs.
Excluded Benefits
- Tuition or course fees for degree-granting programs are not covered.
- Living expenses beyond the grant’s scope must be managed by the fellows.
Fellowship Eligibility
- Must be over the age of 21 by the New York Fellowship start date.
- Must be able to demonstrate at least five (5) years of experience in one of ACC’s eligible fields (see under General Eligibility).
- Applicants cannot be enrolled in university studies during the time of the fellowship.
- Applicants cannot be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Previous New York Fellows are not eligible to apply to the New York Fellowship again.
- New York Fellows are not allowed to conduct paid work activities while in the U.S. on their J-1 visa,
- Speak confident English to participate in conversation and form relationships, without special language assistance
Strong applications will include:
- An explanation of the applicant’s interest in ACC’s mission and how spending time abroad and exposure to new cultures will enable them to contribute to this mission.
- A thoughtful overview of the activities and ideas related to your research and cultural immersion. While ACC does not expect a day-to-day schedule, we are interested in how you intend to spend your time during a New York Fellowship, what you hope to gain from this experience, and the impact that you hope these activities will have on you and on others.
- Possible contacts and connections that will help you with your research and cultural immersion.
Required Documents
- Project Proposal: A detailed plan outlining your cultural exchange project, focusing on research, collaboration, and engagement.
- CV or Professional Biography: Highlight your career achievements and relevant experience.
- Letters of Recommendation: From mentors, supervisors, or experts familiar with your work and project goals.
- Proof of Citizenship or Residency: If required, showing eligibility based on your home country.
- Portfolio or Work Samples: If relevant, such as images, videos, or articles that showcase your expertise and past work.
Application Process
- Online Submission: Applications are submitted through the ACC portal. Ensure all documents are ready before beginning.
- Application Form: Fill in personal details, your professional background, and information about the proposed project.
- Supporting Documents: Upload CV, proposal, recommendations, and portfolio (if applicable).
- Submission Deadline: The application must be completed by November 18, 2024.
- Review Process: After submission, ACC will evaluate applications based on their alignment with the fellowship’s focus on cultural exchange and community engagement.
- Notification: Successful applicants will be notified within a few months following the deadline.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Focus on cultural exchange, not production outcomes.
- Emphasize how the experience will benefit both your home and host communities.
- Engage with alumni networks to refine your proposal.
Living Expenses in New York for International Students
Living in New York can be expensive. Here is an estimate of monthly costs:
- Housing: $1,200 – $2,000 (depending on location and shared or private accommodation)
- Food: $300 – $500
- Transport: $120 (monthly MetroCard for unlimited subway rides)
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $200 – $300
- Health Insurance: Covered by ACC for the fellowship duration.
Total estimated monthly expenses: $1,500 – $2,500. Fellows must budget accordingly, as the grant amount from ACC may need to be supplemented with personal savings.
Living Expenses in New York for International Students
Living in New York can be expensive. Here is an estimate of monthly costs:
- Housing: $1,200 – $2,000 (depending on location and shared or private accommodation)
- Food: $300 – $500
- Transport: $120 (monthly MetroCard for unlimited subway rides)
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $200 – $300
- Health Insurance: Covered by ACC for the fellowship duration.
Total estimated monthly expenses: $1,500 – $2,500. Fellows must budget accordingly, as the grant amount from ACC may need to be supplemented with personal savings.
Why Choose This Fellowship?
The ACC Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to foster international collaboration, offering immersive experiences that bridge cultural gaps between Asia and the U.S
Official Link for Details and Application
Visit the Asian Cultural Council for more information and the application process.