Call for Applications: Fiscal Year 2026 Term I

NCAR carries out the “Japanese Artists Abroad ― Support Program for International Biennales” with the goal of enhancing the international visibility and value of Japanese contemporary art. Recurring art exhibitions, such as biennales and triennales held around the world, function as significant opportunities for artists to present their artworks and raise the international presence of Japanese contemporary art. This program provides support funds for the organizers of international art exhibitions held outside Japan, under the requirement that they welcome the participation of Japanese artists.

Image: Views of the exhibitions selected for the FY2025 Term I “Japanese Artists Abroad ― Support Program for International Biennales." Top row, from left: Yokomizo Shizuka, Recipients (2025) from Taipei Biennial 2025; Yasura Takeshi Yasura, distilled (2025) from 36th Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts (Photo: Urška Boljkovac). Bottom row, from left: Tanaka Koki, A Pottery Produced by 5 Potters at Once (Silent Attempt) (2023/2025), A Piano Played by 5 Pianists at Once (First Attempt) (2012/2025), and A Haircut by 9 Hairdressers at Once (Second Attempt) (2010/2025) from Bergen Assembly; Takata Fuyuhiko, The Princess and the Magic Birds, detail (2021/2025); Sawa Hiraki, Nowhere in Myriad Layers, detail (2025).

Title
Fiscal Year 2026 Term I “Japanese Artists Abroad ― Support Program for International Biennales”

Program Details
This program offers full or partial support funds for organizers of international art exhibitions held outside Japan, under the condition that they welcome the participation of Japanese artists. The maximum amount of support per artist is 3.5 million Japanese yen. If multiple Japanese artists participate in the same international art exhibition, the maximum amount of support is capped at 7 million Japanese yen per exhibition.

Requirements (Exhibition and Period)
Eligible international art exhibitions must have a stable history of institutional activity—or, if recently established, a reliable administrative structure—demonstrate originality in their theme, artist selection, and curatorial approach, and include participation by Japanese artists. The exhibition must begin between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. The term “Japanese artists” includes naturalized and deceased Japanese artists, irrespective of their nationalities or work locations.

Eligibility
Organizers of recurring international art exhibitions that are to be held outside Japan, in which Japanese artists participate, which have an independent secretariat system and accounting organization. The organizations must agree to adhere to the program guidelines.

How to Apply
Please review the program guidelines and fill out the application form. You will be able to proceed to the application form after agreeing to the program guidelines. Please review the guidelines before submitting your application.
The budget breakdown template (.xlsx)(.pdf) can be downloaded below.　*Applications are closed.

NCAR Artist Support Program Budget Breakdown Template (.xlsx)

NCAR Artist Support Program Budget Breakdown Template (.pdf)

Duration for Application
December 15 (Mon.), 2025-January 31 (Sat.), 2026
*Application Form will be closed at 23:59 JST.
*Please note that eligible applicants are not artists, but international exhibition organizers abroad.

Notification of Results
Applicants will be notified of results by March 31 (Tue.), 2026.

Contact
NCAR International Relations Group
Email: supportprogram@artmuseums.go.jp