Call for Applications: Fiscal Year 2026 Term II

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.

Views of international art exhibitions selected for “Japanese Artists Abroad ― Support Program for International Biennales” from 2024 to 2025. Top row, from left: Sakamoto Ryuichi with Takatani Shiro, IS YOUR TIME (2017/2024) from the Thailand Biennale Phuket, 2025 (Photo courtesy of Thailand Biennale, Phuket and Wide Walker); Ema Shin, Hearts of Absent Women (Tree of Family) (2026) from the 25th Biennale of Sydney; Installation view, Kenji Shiokava from the 36th Bienal de São Paulo. Bottom row, from left: Tomiyama Taeko, Chikuho: To the Lost Landscape (1957) from the Thailand Biennale Phuket, 2025; Installation view, Miyagi Futoshi from the Hawai‘i Triennial 2025; Takahashi Yuji Archival display (curated by Aki Onda) from the Thailand Biennale Phuket, 2025.

Title
Fiscal Year 2026 Term II “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 October 1, 2026, and September 30, 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.