Residency Program for International Curators

Mori Contemporary Art Foundation (MoriCAF) is offering the Curator Residency Program 2027 for curators residing outside Japan. The residency supports research and project work in Japan and includes opportunities to engage with artists, researchers, museums, exhibitions and festivals, galleries, and alternative spaces—followed by a requirement to present and report research results before the residency ends. The application period runs from September 11, 2026 to October 31, 2026 (Saturday), 6:00 p.m. (Japan Standard Time). Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Mori Contemporary Art Foundation (MoriCAF)

- Opportunity name: Curator Residency Program 2027

- Applicant location: Curators residing outside Japan

- Residency size: 3 to 4 residents per year

- Residency duration: One to three months (Max. 90 days)

- Residency window: Between April 2027 and March 2028

- Application period: September 11, 2026 – October 31, 2026 (Saturday)

- Deadline: October 31, 2026, 6:00 p.m. (Japan Standard Time)

- Primary benefit: Financial support for research, plus coordination assistance and accommodation during the stay

About the Opportunity

The MoriCAF Curator Residency Program 2027 supports distinguished curators interested in Japanese contemporary art. Selected curators conduct research in Japan and interact with relevant cultural and art-sector stakeholders, including artists, researchers, museums, exhibitions and festivals, galleries, and alternative spaces. A key expectation is that participants will present the results of their research before the residency ends, and provide a written report at the conclusion of the program. Funding and Benefits Selected curators receive support to undertake research and assistance with coordinating their projects. Provisions include:

- Accommodation: Single room with kitchen facilities; breakfast included

- Travel: Round-trip air fare (economy class) from the closest airport to either Narita or Haneda; other travel-related expenses are not included

- Research project expenses: Up to JPY 200,000 (tax included)

- Participants must submit an itemized report of expenses via the provided form. - Any unused balance may be required to be returned.

- Insurance: Insurance is not provided by the foundation; participants must obtain it independently.

- Visa costs: If a visa is required, participants are responsible for obtaining it and covering all associated costs. MoriCAF will issue necessary documents for the application upon request. Who Is Eligible? To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following: - Residing outside Japan - Five or more years of curatorial experience in contemporary art - Fluency in English or Japanese - Able to live and work independently - No age or nationality restrictions - No engagement in commercial activities during the residency - Active involvement in publicity - Continual stay at the accommodation provided by MoriCAF during the residency - Must obtain adequate travel and medical insurance before departure for the duration of the stay - The residency must be between one and three months (90 days)

Not eligible:

- Applicants who wish to stay for less than one month

Additional selection guidance (priority):

- Priority is given to research directly related to specific future exhibitions or projects, rather than general research. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The program is designed to support curator research in Japan with the intention of engaging with the Japanese contemporary art ecosystem. While general research is possible, priority is given to research that is directly connected to specific future exhibitions or projects. Why This Opportunity Matters This residency is structured for curators who want to deepen and share research on Japanese contemporary art through on-the-ground engagement. It provides accommodation and research expense support, and it requires participants to present their findings and submit a final written report, supporting knowledge exchange and international dissemination of Japanese contemporary art. How to Apply - Download the application form from the program page (as referenced in the guidelines source). - Complete the application form with the required information. - Submit your application by email to: [contact details removed]. - Ensure you submit by the deadline: October 31, 2026, 6:00 p.m. (Japan Standard Time). - For further instructions, consult the manual referenced in the guidelines. (Not specified in the provided text—use the official page materials.) Application Requirements (Necessary Documents)

Applicants are asked to prepare:

- Application form (in English) - Provide information about the theme of the project and the research to be conducted in Japan (within 500 words) - Portfolio (the provided text requests “active web links to past projects” in the application; the exact instruction is not fully clear in the excerpt—submit as directed in the form instructions) - CV (PDF format) - One letter of recommendation - Signed, English, A4, PDF - From two referees (the referees’ contact details for professionals and specialists should be provided in the designated section of the form) Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Align your project description with the program’s stated priority for research connected to specific future exhibitions or projects. - Ensure your stay plan fits the required one to three months (max. 90 days); stays under one month are not eligible. - Plan ahead for required insurance and—if applicable—visa processing, since insurance and visa costs are the participant’s responsibility. Frequently Asked Questions What is the MoriCAF Curator Residency Program 2027? It is a residency for distinguished curators interested in Japanese contemporary art, focusing on research in Japan and engagement with art-sector stakeholders. Participants must present research results and submit a written report. Who can apply? Curators who are residing outside Japan, have 5+ years of curatorial experienc