Open call for 2026 term II of Japanese Artists Abroad – Support Program for International Biennales

/News Open call for 2026 term II of Japanese Artists Abroad – Support Program for International Biennales Application window: June 25–July 31, 2026, 11:59pm The National Center for Art Research, Japan (abbreviation: NCAR; Director: Tanaka Masayuki) 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. For term II of fiscal year 2026, applications will be accepted from June 15 (Monday) to July 31 (Friday), 2026. 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. For the FY 2026 term I call for applications, NCAR selected two international art exhibitions—Gwangju Biennale (South Korea) and Ars Electronica (Austria)—through which to support Japanese artists. About the National Center for Art Research, Japan Under the mission of “connecting, deepening, and expanding art,” NCAR will continue to contribute to the activation and enhancement of museum activities in Japan. Our efforts include collecting and disseminating information both domestically and internationally, promoting the utilization of collections, building person-to person networks, expanding learning opportunities, and supporting artists. Application guidelines (overview) Title: Fiscal Year 2026 Term II “Japanese Artists Abroad—Support Program for International Biennales” Application period: June 15 (Monday)–July 31 (Friday), 2026 *Application Form closes at 11:59pm JST. Program details: This program offers full or partial support funds for organizers of international art exhibitions held outside Japan, under the condition that Japanese artists participate. 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 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 the participation of Japanese artists. The exhibition must commence 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. Notification of results: Applicants will be notified of results by September 30 (Wednesday), 2026. The application details can be retrieved here. Image above: From left: (top) Sakamoto Ryuichi with Takatani Shiro, IS YOUR TIME, 2017/2024. Installation view, the Thailand Biennale Phuket, 2025. Courtesy of Thailand Biennale, Phuket and Wide Walker Ema Shin, Hearts of Absent Women (Tree of Family), 2026. Installation view, the 25th Biennale of Sydney; Kenji Shiokava. Installation view, the 36th Bienal de São Paulo. (Bottom) Tomiyama Taeko, Chikuho: To the Lost Landscape, 1957. Installation view, the Thailand Biennale Phuket, 2025; Miyagi Futoshi. Installation view, the Hawai‘i Triennial 2025; Takahashi Yuji. Installation view, the Thailand Biennale Phuket, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the National Center for Art Research.