Artist Support Program

The National Center for Art Research (abbreviation: NCAR; director: Kataoka Mami) is pleased to announce the launch of “Artist Support Program” with the goal of enhancing the international reputation of the Japanese contemporary art.

International 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 reputation of Japanese contemporary art.

This program provides support funds for the organizers of international art exhibitions held outside Japan, with the requirement that Japanese artists must participate in the exhibitions. For the first “Artist Support Program” in fiscal year 2024, applications open on December 15 (Friday), 2023.

NCAR strategically promotes the international activities of Japanese artists and provides support for their participation in international art exhibitions, including the “Artist Support Program” and inviting directors of international art exhibitions to conduct research on Japanese artists, as well as the production and dissemination of interview videos featuring Japanese artists who participate in international art exhibitions.

Application guidelines overview
Title: Fiscal Year 2024 First “Artist Support Program”.

Duration for application: Friday December 15, 2023–Wednesday January 31, 2024

Program details: This program offers full or partial support funds for organizers of international art exhibitions held outside Japan, with the condition that Japanese artists must participate in their exhibitions. 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 art exhibitions should be widely recognized worldwide and must include the participation of Japanese artists. The exhibition period must begin after June 2024 and end by May 31, 2025. The term “Japanese artists” includes naturalized and deceased Japanese artists, irrespective of their nationalities or work locations.

Eligibility: Organizers of international art exhibitions that are to be held outside Japan, in which Japanese artists participate, and that are to have an independent secretariat system and accounting organization. The organizations must agree to adhere to the program guidelines.

Notification of decision: Decisions will be notified by Sunday March 31, 2024.

*The application details can be retrieved here.