Anne van Biema 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 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 Visa.

Application Deadlines

The application deadline is April 15, 2024. Notification of awards will be sent by the end of May. Appointments begin between July 1 and December 1 of the same calendar year.

For the 2024 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.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in English and must include:

• Application cover sheet (PDF, 40kb)
• Curriculum vitae with contact information and complete list of publications.
• Research proposal consisting of a précis (250 words) and a narrative (maximum length 2,000 words). The proposal should address previous relevant research and published results, the significance of the current project to the field of Japanese art history or related disciplines, methodology, and projected schedule of research and writing.
• Budget for projected research expenses, not to exceed $5,000.
• Two letters of recommendation emailed to AsiaScholarlyProgram@si.edu. Reviewers should comment on the merits of the proposal and the feasibility of the research plan as well as the candidate’s past publication record and potential for original contribution to the field of Japanese art history.

Submit complete applications by email to AsiaScholarlyProgram@si.edu.