Japan Foundation Asia Center Fellowship Program for Arts and Culture

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Japan Foundation Asia Center Fellowship Program supports individuals from Japan and ASEAN countries who work in arts and culture and wish to undertake research, creative activities, collaborative projects, and international network-building initiatives outside their country of residence. The Fellowship for Arts and Culture Exchange aims to strengthen relationships between Japan and ASEAN countries, develop diverse international networks, and support the next generation of arts and culture professionals engaged in cross-border collaboration and co-creation.

About the Japan Foundation Asia Center Fellowship

The fellowship provides opportunities for artists, researchers, curators, producers, and other arts and culture professionals to work and collaborate internationally. Selected fellows can use the fellowship to: - Conduct research or study abroad - Develop and undertake creative projects - Collaborate with artists and cultural professionals - Build international professional networks - Develop network platforms and collaborative initiatives - Explore opportunities for cross-border co-creation The program emphasizes reciprocal exchange, meaning participants from Japan and ASEAN countries are supported in engaging with arts and culture communities outside their country of residence.

Objectives of the Fellowship

The Japan Foundation Asia Center Fellowship is designed to contribute to stronger cultural and professional connections between Japan and ASEAN.

Its key objectives include:

- Strengthening relationships between Japan and ASEAN countries - Creating multifaceted human networks in arts and culture - Encouraging international research and creative exchange - Supporting cross-border collaboration and co-creation - Developing the next generation of professionals in arts and culture - Creating sustainable connections between cultural communities Fellowship Duration The program offers two fellowship duration categories. Short-Term Fellowship Short-term fellowships last between 10 and 59 days. This option can be suitable for applicants undertaking focused research, creative activities, collaborative projects, or short-term network-building initiatives. Long-Term Fellowship Long-term fellowships last between 60 and 180 days. This option provides a longer period for applicants who need additional time for research, creative development, collaboration, or establishing professional networks. Fellowship Start Date for FY 2026–2027 For the FY 2026–2027 fellowship, the fellowship start date must fall between: July 1, 2027 and March 31, 2028. Applicants should ensure that their proposed fellowship schedule falls within this specified period. Financial Support Selected fellows receive financial support to help them undertake their approved activities abroad.

The fellowship provides:

- Round-trip international airfare - Discount economy-class airfare - Airfare using the most direct route - A fellowship stipend - Other applicable allowances This support is intended to help fellows manage the travel and living costs associated with their international arts and culture activities. Eligible Arts and Culture Fields The fellowship covers a broad range of arts and culture disciplines.

Eligible fields include:

- Visual arts - Performing arts - Music - Literature - Film - Lifestyle culture - Sports Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activities contribute to professional development, cultural exchange, research, creative practice, collaboration, or network building within an eligible field. Activities Supported by the Fellowship The fellowship supports several types of international arts and culture activities. Research and Study Fellows may undertake research or study related to their artistic or cultural practice. This can include exploring new cultural environments, studying artistic practices, and developing professional knowledge. Creative Activities The program can support creative projects that allow participants to develop their artistic practice through international engagement and exchange. Collaborative Projects Applicants can undertake collaborative activities with professionals, organizations, or communities outside their country of residence. Network-Building Initiatives The fellowship also supports initiatives designed to establish or strengthen professional networks and network platforms within arts and culture fields. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is intended for individuals who are active in eligible arts and culture fields.

Potential applicants include:

- Artists - Researchers - Curators - Producers - Other professionals working in eligible arts and culture fields Applicants should have an appropriate professional connection to the field relevant to their proposed fellowship activities. Eligible Countries and Residency Requirements Applicants must reside in and hold nationality or permanent residency in Japan or one of the 11 ASEAN countries. The program therefore provides opportunities for eligible arts and culture professionals from Japan and ASEAN to engage in international activities outside their country of residence. Applicants should ensure that they satisfy both the residency and nationality or permanent-residency requirements before applying. Language Requirement Applicants must have proficiency in Japanese or English. Language ability is important because fellows may need to communicate with collaborators, researchers, institutions, artists, and other professionals during their fellowship. Applicants should be able to use Japanese or English effectively for the proposed research, creative activities, collaboration, or networking. Health and Financial Requirements Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to participate in the fellowship. They must also possess a bank account capable of receiving remittances from Japan, as required for receiving the fellowship’s financial support. Why the Fellowship Is Important International exchan