Organizer Information

The Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures (SISJAC), based in Norwich, UK, is a world-renowned research center affiliated with the University of East Anglia. Generously supported by the Ishibashi Foundation, this fellowship aims to establish an innovative model for how the next generation of researchers engages with Japanese art. The Institute leverages its global networks to mentor emerging scholars and transform the field of Japanese visual culture studies.

Title & Description

The Ishibashi Foundation Network Leader Fellowship Programme 2026-27

This initiative supports up to seven early-career scholars in delivering original, well-defined research projects in Japanese arts while remaining at their home locations. The program combines financial support for independent projects with rigorous online mentoring and professional networking. It is designed to foster a global community of "network leaders" who will shape the future of Japanese art history and multimodal heritage.

Category

Japanese Art History / Visual Culture / Museology.

Eligibility

  • Academic: Open to PhD candidates and early postdocs (up to two years post-PhD) specializing in Japanese arts or related visual culture fields.
  • Professional: In regions where PhD programs in Asian art are limited, early-career curators or art professionals with up to five years of experience may apply.
  • Geographic: Open globally, with priority given to scholars in regions without established centers for Japanese art studies (specifically outside Western Europe, North America, and Japan).
  • Skills: Applicants must demonstrate necessary language training and a clear vision for their career trajectory.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Research Funding: A grant of £7,500 for an individual research project (cannot be used for living expenses).
  • Training & Mentorship: One academic year of fortnightly online sessions covering methodology, art history, and personalized mentorship (October 2026 – May 2027).
  • Residential Component: A fully funded one-week trip to the UK in July 2027, featuring a research symposium, museum visits, and academic networking in Norwich and London.
  • Network Access: Access to the Sainsbury Institute’s extensive professional and library collections.

Application Fee

There is no fee to apply.

Application Requirements

  • CV: Including a detailed breakdown of language skills.
  • Reference: One letter of recommendation from a PhD supervisor or a professional reference attesting to experience in Japanese arts.
  • Proposal: A 5-page PDF document including:
    • Background and motivation.
    • Detailed project outline with clear one-year goals.
    • Timeline and draft budget.
    • Specific support required from the Sainsbury Institute.
    • Explanation of the project’s global impact.

How to Apply

Submit all application materials in PDF format to sisjac@sainsbury-institute.org. Letters of recommendation must be sent directly by the referee to the same address.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 31 May 2026.
  • Interviews: June 2026 (Online).
  • Online Program: October 2026 – May 2027.
  • UK Summer Trip: July 2027.

Location

Home-based (Online) with a one-week residential component in Norwich and London, UK.

Additional Details

Supported projects can range from virtual or pop-up exhibitions and digital outputs to primary source processing, local histories, or original creative research. Applicants may also choose to contribute to the Sainsbury Institute’s ongoing research projects or library collections.

Contact Information