Ogasawara Foundation Announces Grants for Cultural and Arts Initiatives Starting July 10, 2026

Ogasawara Foundation Grants for 2026

The Ogasawara Foundation is set to initiate three significant grant programs in the cultural and arts sector starting July 10, 2026. With a total funding of 200 million yen, this initiative aims to promote various facets of contemporary art and provide support for disaster relief efforts. The application period for these grants will run from July 10 to September 17, 2026.

Overview of Grants

The foundation will offer financial backing for the following projects:
1. Research and Investigation Grants in Contemporary Art: Aiming to boost research activities in modern art, this grant seeks to enhance the understanding and international promotion of Japanese contemporary art.

- Funding Amount: 1 billion yen in total.
- Application Period: July 10 - September 17, 2026.
- Grant Size: Between 300,000 yen and 3 million yen per project.

2. Translation Grants for Contemporary Art: This grant focuses on providing high-quality English translations of Japanese contemporary art texts and materials to promote a better understanding of the diversity and nuances found in this sector internationally.
- Funding Amount: 300 million yen in total.
- Application Period: July 10 - September 17, 2026.
- Grant Size: Between 300,000 yen and 2 million yen per project.

3. Emergency Assistance for the Noto Peninsula Earthquake: Following the Noto Peninsula earthquake and subsequent flooding in 2024, there remains a need for ongoing support for cultural recovery efforts in the region. This grant will continue the foundation's previous commitments to assist affected individuals and organizations.
- Funding Amount: 700 million yen in total.
- Application Period: July 10 - September 17, 2026.
- Grant Size: Up to 3 million yen per project.

About the Ogasawara Foundation

Established in September 1986, the Ogasawara Foundation initially aimed to promote science and technology. However, in June 2020, it rebranded to honor its late founder, Toshia Ogasawara, with a new mission to support cultural and artistic endeavors, encouraging creativity and innovation. This year marks the seventh anniversary of grants specifically directed at the cultural and arts sector, aligning with the foundation's commitment to challenge conventional wisdom and support passionate talents.

The foundation has previously supported various research initiatives, international collaborations, and new projects. Now, it seeks to address significant cultural challenges brought about by natural disasters while promoting the arts.