Tender Information Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art (In Japanese only)
Tender Information Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art (In Japanese only)
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.
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.
(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.
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.
(1) Number of Awards: Approximately two (2) projects.
(2) Grant Amount: Approximately 850,000 yen (equivalent to 5,000 euros) per project.
(3) Grant Period: From April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027 (in principle, extensions will not be permitted).
(1) How to Apply
Please review the application guidelines and submit the form by 23:59 JST on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Applications by postal mail or in person will not be accepted. In addition, please upload all the documents listed below here.
① PDF copies of major published papers
If you have major papers published in academic journals or professional publications (up to 20 A4 pages, in Japanese or English; for papers in other languages, please attach an English translation), please upload up to five copies of these papers. For joint research, please provide major papers of both the principal researcher and the co-researcher(s).
When uploading, include the applicant’s name and the corresponding serial number in each file name.
② Curriculum Vitae (Format 1)
③ Breakdown of Requested Expenses (Format 2)
Format 1 and Format 2 can be downloaded below.
*Each applicant may submit only one (1) application.
(2) Application Period
December 12 (Fri), 2025 – January 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 by email by mid-March 2026.
Please note that the Center will not respond to individual inquiries regarding the selection process or results.
Application Form
Click here to submit the application form
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).
• Whether the proposed budget is appropriate for the research content.
(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.
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
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.