Ishibashi Foundation–Japan Foundation 2027 Japanese Art Research Fellowship: Global Curators Apply by December 1
The Japan Foundation is accepting applications for the 2027 Ishibashi Foundation–Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art. The online application deadline is December 1, 2026 at 1 p.m. Japan Standard Time. Funded through the Ishibashi Foundation's contribution, this program brings scholars, curators and other Japanese-art professionals based outside Japan to Japan for focused research. It is a specialized research fellowship rather than a general studio grant open to all artists in Japan.
Who should investigate eligibility?
The program is aimed at museum curators, academic researchers and professionals working on the study, interpretation and communication of Japanese art outside Japan. Applicants need to demonstrate a relevant research topic and professional connection to Japanese art. Prospective candidates whose work covers contemporary visual culture, photography, design or new media should review the full 2027 rules to confirm whether their proposed subject meets the fellowship definition; eligibility is not automatic just because an artist works with Japanese themes.
Research plan and host arrangements
A competitive proposal should explain why research must take place in Japan, what archives, collections, museums, curators or scholarly partners will be consulted, and how the results will enrich understanding of Japanese art abroad. Applicants should consult the official 2027 English guidelines for eligible duration, funding and travel arrangements, allowable dependents if any, required invitation letters and residency conditions. The overview page does not authorize inventing a stipend value, guaranteed airfare class or months of funded stay.
How to submit the correct application
On the Japan Foundation's Cultural Exchange Programs page, find the Ishibashi Foundation–Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art. Its application code is Q-FW, and the downloadable guidelines and form are provided in English. Submit through the Japan Foundation application website before December 1 at 13:00 JST. Be careful not to select Q-FWA, the separate Japan–ASEAN Asia Arts Fellowship; both programs appear on the same organizer page and share a deadline but have different purposes and geographical eligibility.
Organizer background and provenance
The Japan Foundation is Japan's publicly established international cultural exchange agency, supporting visual arts, research, education and cross-border networks. The Ishibashi Foundation is a cultural philanthropic organization with a long-term commitment to Japanese art scholarship and museum collections. The formal program lists earlier fellows and published materials for applicants to verify the grant's history, sponsorship and eligibility before sending sensitive personal documents.
Deadline: December 1, 2026 at 13:00 JST. Application identifier: Q-FW. Intended for overseas Japanese-art research professionals.
Official organizer and application
Information checked October 24, 2026. Always use the organizer's latest regulations and forms, particularly for immigration, costs and deadlines.