Research Japanese contemporary art with MoriCAF
The Mori Contemporary Art Foundation (MoriCAF) is offering three or four residencies for experienced contemporary art curators based outside Japan, including those residing in Morocco. Participants carry out research with Japanese artists, museums, galleries and art professionals, seeking opportunities for future exhibitions and collaborations. Residencies last one to three months, up to 90 days, between April 2027 and March 2028.
Travel, accommodation and research budget
The programme provides one round-trip economy flight to Narita or Haneda, a private furnished serviced apartment in Tokyo with a kitchen and breakfast, and up to JPY 200,000 including tax for eligible research project expenses, such as domestic transport and research-related accommodation. Residents must provide itemised accounts, and unspent funding may be reclaimed. Health and travel insurance are not supplied and must be arranged by each participant. Visa costs and visa applications remain the participant’s responsibility, though MoriCAF can issue supporting documentation.
Eligibility and selection priorities
Candidates must live outside Japan, have at least five years’ experience curating contemporary art, be fluent in English or Japanese, and be able to live and work independently. There are no age or nationality restrictions, so Morocco-based curators can apply. The foundation prioritises proposals that support specific future exhibitions or curatorial projects, rather than general exploratory research. Participants must stay in the designated accommodation, contribute to programme publicity and present their research findings.
Application documents
Download and complete the official application form in English according to the submission manual. A complete application includes a research proposal of no more than 500 words, a portfolio with active links to previous curatorial work, a PDF CV, one signed recommendation letter in English on A4 as a PDF, and contact details for two professional referees. Applicants may indicate two preferred residency windows. Finalists may be interviewed, with individual notifications expected in December 2026 and public announcements in January 2027.
Deadline: 31 October 2026 at 18:00 Japan Standard Time. [Official 2027 guidelines and application](https://mori-caf.jp/en-residency-program/curator-residency-program-2027-application-and-guidelines/) · [Programme overview](https://mori-caf.jp/en-residency-program/) · [Other cultural opportunities](https://culturama.ma/opportunites).
*Image: MoriCAF institutional event photo from 2026, not a photograph of the proposed residency.*