Ishibashi Foundation Network Leader Fellowship Programme in Japanese Arts 2026–27
Institution: Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures
Location: Home-based (international programme with UK residency component)
Department: Research / Japanese Arts & Visual Culture
Contract: 1-year fellowship (academic programme)
Funding: £7,500 research grant + fully funded UK trip (separate support for travel)
Deadline: May 31, 2026
The Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures is inviting applications for its Ishibashi Foundation Network Leader Fellowship Programme. The programme supports early-career researchers and curators working on Japanese arts and visual culture through funded research, international mentoring, and access to global academic networks. Fellows develop independent research projects while remaining based in their home countries.
This fellowship supports original, well-defined research projects in Japanese arts. Fellows receive academic mentoring, structured online training, and opportunities for international networking, alongside a residential programme in the UK. The initiative aims to foster new models of global engagement with Japanese visual culture and support emerging scholars and curators.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute an independent research project in Japanese arts
- Participate in online mentoring, training, and networking sessions (fortnightly)
- Engage with academic discussions, workshops, and invited lectures
- Produce research outputs such as publications, digital projects, exhibitions, or archives
- Contribute to collaborative academic exchange within the fellowship cohort
- Present research findings at a UK symposium and residential programme
Candidate Profile
- PhD candidates or early postdoctoral researchers (up to 2 years post-PhD), or
- Early-career curators / professionals (up to 5 years experience in relevant cases)
- Specialisation in Japanese arts or related visual culture fields
- Strong research proposal with clear, achievable objectives
- Evidence of academic potential and/or professional curatorial experience
- Relevant language training in Japanese or related competencies preferred
- Ability to work independently and manage a structured research timeline
