The Anne van Biema Fellowship Grant

The Anne van Biema Fellowship, established by bequest, promotes excellence in research on Japanese visual arts at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art. Open to postdoctoral and senior scholars for periods of two to twelve months, it offers a maximum stipend of $60,000, with additional support for research expenses. The fellowship fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging full-time dedication to research and participation in the museum's scholarly community.

Note: For the 2026 cycle, we are only accepting applications for periods of three to nine months (maximum stipend of $45,000 plus research and travel allowances). Fellows are not required to reside in Washington, DC, for the entire fellowship period.
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 in terms of merit, originality, methodology, and potential for significant publication that will advance scholarly and public understanding of the Japanese visual arts. Interdisciplinary proposals with a primary focus on Japanese visual arts will be considered.
Awards are made to scholars at the postdoctoral or senior levels for periods of two to twelve months and are not renewable. 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.
The Anne van Biema Fellowship is intended to provide an environment conducive to research, writing, and collegial discourse. Fellows are expected to devote themselves full-time to the proposed project, to participate in the museum’s scholarly community and programs, and to present a research-in-progress seminar during the period of the appointment.
Scholars of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Meeting requirements and obtaining required visas for residence and research in the United States is the responsibility of the applicant. If necessary, the Smithsonian will review the individual for participation in an Exchange Visitor Program and will support the individual, if eligible, in their application for a J-1 Vis

Eligibility

Awards are made to scholars at the post-doctoral or senior levels.Fellows are not required to reside in Washington, DC, for the entire fellowship period.