The National Art Research Center (NCAR, Director: Masayuki Tanaka) will accept applications for the second term of the 'Artist International Outreach Support Program' 2026 (Reiwa 8) from June 15 to July 31, 2026.
International art exhibitions such as biennales and triennales held around the world serve as crucial platforms for artists to present their works and represent valuable opportunities to enhance the global recognition of contemporary Japanese art. This program supports, through organizing bodies, a portion of the expenses incurred when Japanese artists participate in periodic international art exhibitions held outside Japan.
In the first-term call for applications for 2026 (Reiwa 8), the 'Gwangju Biennale' (South Korea) and 'Ars Electronica' (Austria) were selected as supported exhibitions.
Exhibition views from international art exhibitions selected under the 'Artist International Outreach Support Program' 2024–2025. Top row, left to right: Ryuichi Sakamoto with Shiro Takatani (Thailand Biennale 2025), Ai Min Xin (25th Biennale of Sydney), Kenji Sasoka (36th São Paulo Biennale). Bottom row, left to right: Tamiyama Taeko (Thailand Biennale 2025), Futoshi Miyagi (Hawaii Triennial 2025, courtesy: Futoshi Miyagi / Aupuni Space_06), materials related to Yūji Takahashi (Thailand Biennale 2025).
◆ About the National Art Research Center (NCAR) (https://ncar.artmuseums.go.jp/)
NCAR operates with the mission of 'Connecting, Deepening, and Expanding Art,' contributing to the enrichment of Japan’s overall museum activities through information collection and dissemination, promotion of collection utilization, building human networks, expanding learning initiatives, and supporting artists.
Artist International Outreach Support Program 2026 (Reiwa 8) Second Term – Call for Applications (Overview)
Name
Artist International Outreach Support Program 2026 (Reiwa 8) Second Term
Application Period
From Monday, June 15, 2026 to Friday, July 31, 2026
※ Applications accepted until 23:59 Japan time
Support Content
NCAR will provide partial or full financial support to organizing bodies of international art exhibitions such as biennales and triennales held abroad, in which Japanese artists participate. The support cap is 3.5 million yen per artist, and 7 million yen per exhibition when multiple Japanese artists participate.
Eligible Projects
(and their start dates)
International art exhibitions held abroad, starting between October 2026 and the end of September 2027, in which Japanese artists participate. Eligible exhibitions must have a proven track record (or, for newly established organizations, a solid administrative structure), and demonstrate originality in exhibition themes and artist selection. 'Japanese artists' include those of Japanese descent, artists who have naturalized from Japan to other countries, and deceased artists, regardless of nationality or base location.
Eligibility
Organizing bodies of periodic international art exhibitions held abroad, in which Japanese artists participate, possessing an independent administrative and accounting organization, and capable of complying with the program guidelines.
Notification of Results
Applicants will be notified of the results by Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
For detailed application information, please visit:
https://ncar.artmuseums.go.jp/events/20260615-2.html
Artist International Outreach Support Program 2026 (Reiwa 8) First Term – Selection Results
Name of International Art Exhibition
Period
Artist Names
1
16th Gwangju Biennale
(South Korea)
September 5, 2026 – November 15, 2026
Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork
Kosugi Daisuke
Sasaki Takeshi
Suzuki Akio
Maya Watanabe
2
Ars Electronica 2026 (Austria)
September 9, 2026 – September 13, 2026
evala
<Inquiries about the Artist International Outreach Support Program> (except for media)
Artist International Outreach Support Program Office, National Art Research Center
E-mail: supportprogram@artmuseums.go.jp
<NCAR Website> ※ Renewed on May 20
https://ncar.artmuseums.go.jp/
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event