#United States #New York #Cultural Exchange #Asian Cultural Council #Grants and Fellowships

Asian Cultural Council Launches 2026 Grant Application Cycle

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC), a prominent nonprofit based in New York City, has officially unveiled its upcoming global funding cycle for 2026. Individuals and organizations interested in participating can apply starting from October 1 until November 19, 2025. This initiative underscores ACC's commitment to enhancing cultural exchange and understanding between the U.S. and Asia.

The Role of ACC in Cultural Dialogue

For over six decades, the ACC has played a pivotal role in fostering international dialogue through various cultural exchange initiatives. As expounded by Judy Kim, the Executive Director of ACC, these grants are designed to support artists, scholars, and arts professionals in immersing themselves in cultures distinct from their own. This not only enriches personal growth and professional development but also furthers the mission of cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

The Council offers four distinct grant and fellowship options:

1. New York Fellowship: This six-month program enables participants to engage deeply with the cultural landscape of New York City and the broader U.S. arts scene.
2. Individual Fellowship: Similar in spirit to the New York Fellowship, this option provides more flexibility in terms of travel timing, duration, and budget, accommodating a wider range of personal and professional objectives.
3. Graduate Fellowship: Designed for students from eligible Asian countries pursuing graduate degrees in the U.S., this fellowship includes living stipends to support their academic journey.
4. Organization Grant: This funding is directed toward organizations that conduct programs aimed at enhancing cultural research and facilitating access to artistic and cultural communities.

Grant Activities and Experiences

Grantees are encouraged to explore a broad spectrum of activities, from focused research to open-ended cultural exploration. ACC prioritizes process-driven work that enables participants to build relationships and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. These experiences not only provide opportunities for personal and professional growth but also help create lasting international ties.

Since its inception, ACC has awarded more than $100 million in support of around 6,000 fellowship exchanges across multiple disciplines. Its unique approach, standing apart from organizations that prioritize production-focused grants, allows grantees to fully immerse themselves in local cultures, thereby contributing to greater international dialogue and respect.

For prospective applicants, complete details about eligibility can be found on the Asian Cultural Council’s grant opportunities page.

In conclusion, the ACC’s 2026 funding cycle represents not just an opportunity for financial support but a chance for artists and scholars to engage profoundly with the richness of diverse cultures. This year’s opening intends to inspire more individuals to embark on cross-cultural journeys that ultimately nurture global collaboration and understanding.

For additional information, please contact:
Deborah Geiger Berry
Geiger Communications
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 516-423-9848

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Let the spirit of cultural exchange flourish in 2026!