Application Open
2025.12.15 - 2026.01.31

Call for Application: Fiscal Year 2026 Term I National Center for Art Research "Artist Support Program"

Call for Application: Fiscal Year 2026 Term I National Center for Art Research
Views of the exhibitions selected for the FY2025 Term I “Artist Support Program.” 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).

NCAR implements “Artist Support Program” with the goal of enhancing the international reputations of contemporary Japanese art scenes. International art exhibitions, such as Biennales and Triennales held around the world, function as significant art opportunities for artists to present their artworks and raise the international reputation of Japanese contemporary art. This program provides support funds for the organizers of the international art exhibitions held outside of Japan, with the requirement that Japanese artists must participate in the international art exhibitions.

Overview

Title
Fiscal Year 2026 Term I “Artist Support Program”

Program Details
This program offers full or partial support funds for organizers of international art exhibitions held outside Japan, with the condition that Japanese artists must participate in their exhibitions. 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 Exhibition 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 international art exhibitions that are to be held outside Japan, in which Japanese artists participate, and that are to have an independent secretariat system and accounting organization. The organizations must agree to adhere to the program guidelines.

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 Decision
Decisions will be notified by March 31 (Tue.), 2026.

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

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