Organizer Information

CCA Islands is a Japanese contemporary art institution dedicated to supporting emerging and professional artists, curators, architects, and designers. The organization promotes research and creative activities in contemporary art and culture, providing financial assistance and travel support to foster international exchange and professional development. CCA Islands emphasizes self-directed research, professional growth, and engagement with the Japanese contemporary art scene.

Title & Description

CCA Islands Travel Scholarship 2026 – 2027

This open call provides emerging artists, curators, architects, and designers the opportunity to pursue research and creative projects in Japan. The scholarship is designed to support independent research and production in various Visual Arts, Design, Architecture, and Curatorial practices. Recipients gain financial support for research expenses, one return transportation fare to/from Japan, and access to Japan’s rich cultural and artistic contexts. The program prioritizes applicants under 35 and encourages them to develop self-directed projects over a minimum of 4 weeks and a maximum of 8 weeks between September 2026 and March 2027.

Applicants are expected to conclude their stay with a report documenting the results of their research. Please note that this is a travel/research scholarship and not a residency program, and recipients are responsible for managing their own activities.

Categories

Visual Arts, Architecture, Design, Curatorial, Interdisciplinary Arts

Eligibility

  • Emerging artists, curators, architects, and designers.
  • Applicants must be under 35 years of age.
  • Open to international applicants, including those residing in Japan.
  • Professional requirements differ by discipline:
    • Curators/Historians/Researchers: Work experience in contemporary art or a degree in art/art history.
    • Architects/Designers: Experience running a private office or equivalent.
    • Artists: No specific requirements, aside from age limit.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Research grant of JPY 200,000 to support creative projects.
  • Return transportation fare to/from Japan (or within Japan if residing domestically).
  • Self-directed research period of 4–8 weeks between September 2026 – March 2027.
  • Professional development through engagement with Japanese art institutions and local culture.
  • Final research report submission required, increasing visibility and portfolio strength.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

All Applicants:

  1. Research proposal (max 1000 words)
  2. Provisional research schedule
  3. Budget plan (excluding airfare if residing in Japan)
  4. CV

Curators/Historians/Researchers:

  • Cover letter (max 500 words) summarizing professional experience in exhibitions, publications, and projects

Artists/Designers/Architects:

  • Portfolio of 5–10 works with title, year, medium, description, and project context
  • For time-based media (film, video, sound): total duration up to 5 minutes

Submission Notes:

  • Maximum 1 GB total for all files
  • Accepted formats: PDF, Video, Audio
  • No external links (e.g., YouTube)

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 24 April 2026
  • Result Announcement: Around June 2026
  • Scholarship Period: Minimum 4 weeks, maximum 8 weeks between 1 September 2026 and 31 March 2027

Location

Japan

Additional Details

  • This scholarship is intended strictly for travel/research purposes.
  • Recipients manage their own activities and accommodations.
  • Priority is given to applicants under 35.
  • Successful applicants must submit a research report at the end of their stay.

Website Link: https://cca-islands.org/en/scholarship/