Request for Applications: Exhibitions Abroad Support Program

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Exhibitions Abroad Support Program provides financial assistance to overseas museums and art institutions organizing exhibitions that introduce Japanese art and culture to international audiences. Administered by The Japan Foundation, the programme promotes international cultural exchange and encourages greater understanding of Japanese artistic achievements. It supports projects that present Japanese artists and their works abroad, including exhibitions associated with major international art events such as biennials and triennials. Eligible projects must be planned and implemented by museums or art institutions outside Japan and must open between April 1, 2027 and March 31, 2028.

About the Exhibitions Abroad Support Program

The Exhibitions Abroad Support Program aims to strengthen the international presentation of Japanese art and culture.

The programme seeks to:

- Promote international cultural exchange. - Introduce Japanese artists and their works to audiences overseas. - Increase international understanding of Japanese artistic achievements. - Encourage collaboration between Japanese and overseas art professionals. - Support the international presentation of Japanese visual arts. The programme is particularly relevant to institutions developing exhibitions that provide audiences outside Japan with opportunities to engage with Japanese artistic practices and achievements. Who Can Apply? The programme is intended for overseas museums and art institutions. Applicants must be institutions located outside Japan that are responsible for planning and executing eligible exhibition projects. The programme is therefore focused on institutional exhibitions rather than direct funding for individual artists to produce artworks. What Types of Projects Are Eligible? Eligible projects should introduce Japanese artists and their works to audiences outside Japan.

Projects may include:

- Exhibitions focused on Japanese art. - Exhibitions introducing Japanese artists. - Japanese art presentations at international exhibitions. - Projects connected with biennials. - Projects connected with triennials. - Eligible exhibitions developed through artist-in-residence programmes. Projects must have a clear concept and concrete exhibition plan. Artist-in-Residence Exhibition Projects Exhibitions created through artist-in-residence programmes may also be eligible for support. These projects should promote meaningful networking among: - Artists from Japan. - Overseas artists. - Curators. - Researchers. Artist-in-residence projects should demonstrate a clear exhibition concept and a concrete plan for presenting the resulting work. Eligible Exhibition Period Projects supported under the programme should open between: April 1, 2027 and March 31, 2028 Overseas museums and art institutions should ensure that their proposed exhibition falls within this eligible period. What Expenses Are Supported? The programme provides partial financial support for specific exhibition-related expenses.

Supported costs include:

- Packing costs for artworks. - Shipping costs for artworks. - Catalogue production costs. - Digital catalogue production costs. - Travel costs for dispatched artists. - Travel costs for invited artists. - Travel costs for dispatched curators. - Travel costs for invited curators. - Travel costs for dispatched or invited specialists. - Airfare. - Train fares. - Accommodation fees. The programme does not necessarily cover the full cost of these activities; support is provided for eligible expenses according to the programme’s conditions. Support for Artwork Packing and Shipping

Part of the costs associated with packing and shipping artworks can be supported

However, insurance costs are excluded. Applicants should therefore distinguish artwork transportation expenses from insurance costs when preparing their project budgets. Catalogue Production Support The programme supports part of the costs of producing exhibition catalogues.

This includes:

- Printed catalogues. - Digital catalogues. For international exhibitions featuring artists from different countries, catalogue support may be calculated partly according to the ratio of Japanese artists participating in the exhibition. Applicants should clearly identify the Japanese artists involved when preparing their catalogue-related budget. Travel Support for Artists, Curators and Specialists Travel costs may be supported for dispatched or invited: - Artists. - Curators. - Specialists.

Eligible travel expenses include:

- Airfare. - Train fares. - Accommodation fees. However, the programme does not cover preliminary research or development costs. What Costs Are Not Covered? Applicants should carefully distinguish eligible expenses from costs that are excluded.

The programme does not cover:

- Production costs of artworks. - Installation costs. - Artists’ fees. - Artwork shipping insurance. - Preliminary research costs. - Development costs. Understanding these exclusions is important when preparing a realistic exhibition budget. Support for Biennials and Triennials The programme can support projects associated with major international exhibitions, including biennials and triennials, when they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. Such support helps Japanese artists and their works reach broader international audiences through major cultural events. How to Prepare a Strong Project Proposal A strong exhibition proposal should clearly communicate the project’s artistic and cultural objectives.

Applicants should explain:

- The exhibition concept. - The Japanese artists and artworks involved. - The purpose of presenting Japanese art internationally. - The expected audience. - The planned exhibition dates. - The role of the overseas museum or art institution. - The importance of the project for cultural exchange. - The expected outcomes. - Plans for catalogue or digital catalogue production. - Travel requirements for participating artists, cura