The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art is accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of the Anne van Biema Fellowship. Specifically, this visual arts program helps postdoctoral scholars scale their impact through dedicated research on Japanese art. Consequently, selected fellows work directly with Smithsonian curators to deploy significant publications that advance public understanding.
Program Overview
This is an academic research and cultural preservation program. Therefore, it is ideal for senior art historians who need access to exclusive archives to serve the global academic community. By joining, you get access to the Freer Gallery of Art collections and up to $60,000 in stipends.
Key Benefits
Participants receive high-value financial and institutional support. Specifically, the benefits include:
- Stipend: A maximum stipend of $60,000 (prorated at approximately $5,000 per month).
- Research Grant: Additional support not to exceed $5,000 for approved research and travel expenses.
- Access: Dedicated research space, networked computer, and full access to Smithsonian archives and libraries.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, an applicant must be a postdoctoral or senior-level scholar of any nationality. Crucially, you must have an interdisciplinary proposal with a primary focus on Japanese visual arts.
- Merit: The proposal must demonstrate originality, sound methodology, and strong publication potential.
- Status: Must have a doctoral degree or a record of equivalent professional accomplishment.
- Visa: Must be eligible to obtain required visas for residence and research in the United States.
Application Process
- Deadline: May 4, 2026.
- Submission: Submit complete applications via email to FreerResearchCenter@si.edu.
- Requirements: CV, a 2,000-word research narrative, proposed budget, and two letters of recommendation.
