The Anne van Biema Fellowship is a prestigious research opportunity for scholars focusing on Japanese visual arts, hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC. Established by bequest, it promotes excellence in research and publication, offering financial support, access to collections, and a collaborative environment for postdoctoral and senior scholars.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art is a leading institution dedicated to preserving, studying, and exhibiting Asian art. It provides fellows with research space, access to archives, libraries, and art collections, fostering interdisciplinary scholarship and public engagement with Japanese visual arts.
Benefits of Anne van Biema Fellowship 2026
- Maximum stipend of $60,000 prorated for shorter terms (approximately $5,000 per month)
- Additional support not to exceed $5,000 for approved research and travel expenses
- Research space, a networked computer, and access to art collections, archives, and Smithsonian Institution libraries
Eligibility Criteria for the Anne van Biema Fellowship 2026
- Scholars at the postdoctoral or senior levels
- Research proposals must focus on Japanese visual arts (interdisciplinary proposals with a primary focus on Japanese visual arts will be considered)
- Scholars of all nationalities are welcome to apply
- Applicants must meet U.S. visa requirements (Smithsonian may support J-1 Visa application if eligible)
How to Apply for Anne van Biema Fellowship 2026
- Submit application cover sheet (PDF)
- Provide curriculum vitae with contact information and complete list of publications
- Submit research proposal consisting of a précis (250 words) and a narrative (maximum length 2,000 words)
- Include budget for projected research expenses, not to exceed $5,000
- Arrange for two letters of recommendation to be emailed to [email protected]
- Email complete application to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Anne van Biema Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, based on information from the official Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art website.
What is the Anne van Biema Fellowship?
The Anne van Biema Fellowship is a research fellowship established by bequest to promote excellence in research and publication on Japanese visual arts. It supports scholars at the postdoctoral or senior levels conducting research at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Scholars at the postdoctoral or senior levels from all nationalities are eligible. Research proposals must focus on Japanese visual arts, though interdisciplinary proposals with a primary focus on Japanese visual arts are considered. Applicants must meet U.S. visa requirements.
What are the benefits of the Anne van Biema Fellowship?
Benefits include a maximum stipend of $60,000 prorated for shorter terms (approx. $5,000/month), additional research/travel support up to $5,000, research space, a networked computer, and access to art collections, archives, and Smithsonian libraries.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 cycle?
The application deadline is May 4, 2026. For the 2026 cycle, only applications for periods of three to nine months are accepted, with a maximum stipend of $45,000 plus allowances. Awards are notified by end of June.
How do I apply for the Anne van Biema Fellowship?
Submit applications in English via email to [email protected]. Required materials include a cover sheet, CV, research proposal (précis and narrative), budget up to $5,000, and two recommendation letters emailed separately.
What is the focus of the research proposal?
The proposal should address previous relevant research, significance of the project to Japanese art history, methodology, and a writing schedule. It must include a 250-word précis and a narrative up to 2,000 words.
Are fellows required to reside in Washington, DC?
For the 2026 cycle, fellows are not required to reside in Washington, DC, for the entire fellowship period. Appointments begin between August 1 and December 1, 2026.
What are the expectations during the fellowship?
Fellows must devote full-time to the project, participate in the museum’s scholarly community and programs, and present a research-in-progress seminar during their appointment.
Is the fellowship renewable?
No, awards are made for periods of two to twelve months and are not renewable. For 2026, only three- to nine-month terms are accepted.
What visa support is provided for international applicants?
The Smithsonian may review eligible applicants for participation in an Exchange Visitor Program and support J-1 Visa applications. Meeting visa requirements is the applicant’s responsibility.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Scholarships in South Africa 
Scholarships in Norway 
Scholarships in Iceland 
Scholarships in UK