Anne van Biema Fellowship 2026

🏛️ About the Fellowship

The Anne van Biema Fellowship was established by bequest to promote excellence in research and publication on the Japanese visual arts. Fellowships support research at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC.

Research proposals are evaluated based on:

• Merit
• Originality
• Methodology
• Potential for significant publication

Interdisciplinary proposals with a primary focus on Japanese visual arts will also be considered.

🎁 Benefits

• Maximum stipend: $60,000 (prorated for shorter terms, approximately $5,000 per month).
• Additional support: Up to $5,000 for approved research and travel expenses.
• Access to:
  • Research space
  • Networked computer
  • Art collections, archives, and Smithsonian Institution libraries

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Scholars of all nationalities are welcome to apply.
• Applicants are responsible for meeting requirements and obtaining visas for residence and research in the United States.
• If necessary, the Smithsonian will review the individual for participation in an Exchange Visitor Program and support eligible individuals in their application for a J-1 Visa.

📅 Application Date and Process

Applications must be submitted in English and include:

1. Application cover sheet (PDF, 25kb)
2. Curriculum vitae with contact information and a complete list of publications.
3. Research proposal:
   • A précis (250 words)
   • A narrative (maximum length 2,000 words) addressing:
     • Previous relevant research and published results
     • Significance of the current project to the field of Japanese art history or related disciplines
     • Methodology
     • Projected schedule of research and writing
4. Budget for projected research expenses (not to exceed $5,000).
5. Two letters of recommendation emailed to FreerResearchCenter@si.edu. Reviewers should comment on:
   • Merits of the proposal
   • Feasibility of the research plan
   • Candidate’s past publication record
   • Potential for original contribution to the field of Japanese art history

⏳ Application Deadline

04 May, 2026

📩 Contact Information

For inquiries or submission of recommendation letters, email: FreerResearchCenter@si.edu

🌐 Additional Information

For more details, visit the official Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art page: Anne van Biema Fellowship.

• The maximum stipend of $60,000 will be prorated for shorter terms (approximately $5,000 per month).
• Additional support not to exceed $5,000 may be provided for approved research and travel expenses.
• Research space, a networked computer, and access to art collections, archives, and Smithsonian Institution libraries are provided.