Call for Applications: FY2027 NCAR × AWARE Women Artists Research Fellowship

NCAR and AWARE: Archives of Women Artists, Research and Exhibitions Centre Pompidou – Musée national d’art moderne will jointly implement “NCAR × AWARE Women Artists Research Fellowship.” 

1. Purpose of the Fellowship

The Fellowship aims to support research conducted by researchers or curators residing or staying in Japan on women artists connected to Japan. By promoting such research, the program seeks to advance and enrich studies on Japanese women artists and to strengthen their international foundations.

2. Eligible Research

Eligible research includes studies related to women artists connected to Japan.
“Women artists connected to Japan” refers to individuals who are active in the field of visual arts and who identify as women or as non-binary persons (whose gender identity does not conform to a binary framework of male/female) and who fall under any of the following categories:
(1) Individuals holding Japanese nationality.
(2) Individuals who have resided in Japan.
(3) Individuals with family members holding Japanese nationality.
(4) Individuals with other special relationships to Japan.

3. Research Structure

(1) Research may be conducted individually or jointly.
(2) For joint research, a principal researcher must be designated, who shall take overall responsibility for the research plan.

4. Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
(1) Researchers, curators, or professionals with relevant experience who have a demonstrated record in research on women artists.
(2) Individuals who, in principle, reside or stay in Japan during the research period (regardless of nationality or residency status).
(3) If the research requires the applicant to be away from their workplace, prior approval must be obtained from the head of their affiliated institution.
(4) Applicants must obtain a guarantee of acceptance from the institution or facility where the research will be conducted.

5. Number of Awards, Grant Amount, and Duration

(1) Number of Awards: Approximately two (2) projects.
(2) Grant Amount: An amount equivalent to 5,000 euros per project (approximately 850,000 yen)
(3) Grant Period: April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2028 (in principle, extensions will not be permitted).

6. Application Procedure

(1) How to Apply
Applicants must review the Guidelines listed on the Center’s website, then apply according to the steps below:
Step 1: Please download and directly fill in the required forms (Formats 1, 2, and 3) listed on our website.
Step 2: Please apply by uploading all of the required documents (numbers ① ② ③ below) along with copies of up to (3) major publications (see number ④) to the designated file upload site.
*When uploading your files, please be sure to include your full name in the file name.
Note: Applications by postal mail or in person will not be accepted. Only in cases of technical issues may applicants report the issue and e-mail their required items as attachments to fellowship@artmuseums.go.jp

① Application form (Format 1)
② Curriculum Vitae (Format 2)
③ Breakdown of Requested Expenses (Format 3)
④ Copies of up to (3) major publications
Please submit supplementary materials produced within the last five years that demonstrate your past research achievements such as papers published in academic journals (up to 20 pages A4, Japanese or English. Please attach English translations for all other languages) In the case of collaborative research, please submit the work samples of collaborating researcher(s) as well.
*Please include the applicant’s full name and document serial number in the file names.
*Each applicant may submit only one (1) application.

Application Form (Format 1)download

(2) Application Period
September 15 (Tue), 2026 – October 31 (Sat), 2026
The Center will send an “Application Receipt Confirmation Email” within three (3) business days after confirming receipt of the application materials. Applicants are requested to check this confirmation. If no confirmation email is received, please contact the Center.

(3) Notification of Results
Applicants will be notified of the selection results via email by late February 2027.
Please note that the Center will not respond to individual inquiries regarding the selection process or results.

7. Selection Method

Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee established by the Center. The Director of the National Center for Art Research will make the final decision on selection, based on a comprehensive evaluation of the following criteria. Any committee member who is involved in a research project under consideration shall not participate in the review of that project.

(1) Applicant’s Research Competence
• Whether the applicant has a sufficient research record to carry out the proposed project.
•Whether the applicant has adequate preparation (such as access to materials or research subjects).

(2) Content of the Proposed Research
• Clarity of the research theme.
• Novelty of the theme or focus on women artists whose activities have not been sufficiently recognized.
• The social and academic significance of the proposed research.
• Potential for development and future impact of research.
• Whether the proposed budget is appropriate for the research content.

(3) Overall Application
• Whether the research aligns with the missions and objectives of NCAR and AWARE.
• Whether the research holds respect for the historical background, culture, dignity, and rights of the regions, communities, and people who are the subject of the research.

Contact Information
International Relations Group
National Center for Art Research, The National Museum of Art, Japan
E-mail: fellowship@artmuseums.go.jp

Organized by: National Center for Art Research, Japan, AWARE: Archives of Women Artists, Research and Exhibitions, Centre Pompidou – Musée national d’art moderne

With generous support from: Kathy Matsui, the Per Ardua Ad Astra endowment fund, in collaboration with its residency programme for Japanese artists in France, Maison Kochimi.