The Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship in Asian Art 2026 is now open for applications. This fully funded international fellowship offers emerging curators from Asia and the United States a three-month residency at the prestigious Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Organized by The Asia Foundation in partnership with Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, this program supports the next generation of curatorial leaders working in Asian and Asian American art. The 2026 theme focuses on Community-Centered Curatorial Practice, encouraging fellows to explore how exhibitions and cultural work can build stronger connections across communities. If you are an emerging curator looking for international exposure, funded residency support, and research development in the United States, this is a high-impact opportunity for 2026.
Margaret Williams Fellowship in the USA 2026-Overview
- Host Country: United States
- Host Institution: Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
- Partner Organization: The Asia Foundation
- Fellowship Type: Fully Funded Curatorial Residency
- Duration: June 1 – August 31, 2026 (Up to 3 Months)
- Number of Fellows: Two (One from Asia, One from the United States)
- Application Period: February 17 – March 24, 2026
- Eligible Regions: United States, Asia, Pacific Islands
USA Fellowship Theme: Community-Centered Curatorial Practice
The 2026 Margaret Williams Fellowship prioritizes candidates whose work is grounded in community-based and socially engaged curatorial practice.
According to the official program brief (Page 1–2), fellows will examine how community building can function as:
- A curatorial practice
- An artistic methodology
- An institutional strategy
- A form of shared knowledge production
Community-centered practice may include:
- Participatory and socially engaged projects
- Archival and research-based initiatives
- Performance-based curatorial work
- Digital and AI-enabled platforms
- Public programs and convenings
- Experimental exhibition frameworks
Fellows will also revisit selected exhibitions from the Museum’s history and reimagine how they can foster deeper engagement with contemporary communities.
Also Check: Jefferson Fellowships 2026 | AI Reporting Study Tour in USA, Japan & South Korea
Available Fields / Focus Areas
This fellowship is specifically designed for professionals working in:
- Contemporary Asian Art
- Asian American Art
- Curatorial Practice
- Exhibition Research
- Community-Based Art Projects
- Public Programming and Cultural Engagement
- Digital and Networked Cultural Platforms
The program takes an expansive view of “curator”, welcoming applicants from both institutional and non-institutional backgrounds.
Also Check: Polonista NAWA 2026 Scholarship in Poland (Fully Funded Research Mobility)
Eligibility Criteria for Asian Art Museum Fellowship
To apply for the Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
Academic & Professional Background
- Be an emerging contemporary art curator
- Demonstrate strong curatorial or cultural leadership experience
- Show capacity for connecting ideas, people, and artworks
Geographic Eligibility
- Be from the United States, Asia, or the Pacific Islands
Skills & Competencies
- Strong communication skills
- Self-directed and collaborative
- Leadership potential
- Experience in community-centered cultural work
Language Requirement
- Fully conversant in English
Residency Commitment
- Must commit to an on-site three-month residency in San Francisco (Summer 2026)
The fellowship welcomes candidates both within and outside traditional museum contexts.
Also Check: HIAS Fellowships 2027–2028 in Germany (Fully Funded Research & Residency in Hamburg)
Application Process for Fellowships 2026 (Step-by-Step)
If you are planning to apply, follow these steps carefully to apply for Fully Funded Arts Fellowship in the United States:
Step 1: Review the Official Curatorial Residency Program 2026 call
Click Here for 2026 Call for Applications: Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship in Asian Art
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility such Ensure you meet residency, language, and geographic requirements. If you meets the fellowships requirements then prepare your application materials in advance.
Click Here to Review the International Cultural Exchange Museum Fellowship 2026 Program Brief
Step 3: Submit the Asia Foundation Fellowship Application Online
Click Here to Apply Now for Margaret Williams International Fellowship in the United States2026
Also Check: Click Here to Apply for Fully Funded Fellowships 2026
Fellowships Benefits and Financial Coverage
The Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded art residency in the USA, covering:
1. International Travel
- Round-trip airfare to and from San Francisco
2. Residency Support
- Housing in San Francisco for the entire residency period
- Per diem allowance for daily living expenses
3. Research & Study Tour Grant
- $7,500 USD stipend for a self-designed study tour
- Study tour may span multiple cities and institutions
- Must take place after or separate from the residency
- Duration: Minimum of four weeks
This funding structure makes it one of the most attractive fully funded art fellowships in the United States for 2026.
Apply Now-Fully Funded Curatorial Residency in USA
The Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship in Asian Art 2026 is a rare, fully funded opportunity for emerging curators to develop their practice within an internationally recognized museum environment in the United States. With full financial support, cross-border exchange, and a strong research component, this fellowship can significantly strengthen your professional profile in the global art world.
Also Check: List of International Research and Postdoc Fellowships Worldwide 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Margaret F. Williams Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. It covers round-trip travel, housing, per diem, and includes a $7,500 study tour stipend.
Who can apply?
Emerging curators from the United States, Asia, or the Pacific Islands who can commit to a three-month residency.
Do I need museum experience?
No. The program welcomes applicants from both institutional and non-institutional contexts.
Is English required?
Yes. Applicants must be fully conversant in English.
How long is the residency?
June 1 – August 31, 2026 (up to three months).
Also Check Latest Scholarships Below:
- HEC Scholarship
- International Scholarships Worldwide
- Undergraduate Scholarships
- Master Scholarships
- PhD Scholarships
- Postdoc Fellowships
Stay connected with Careers Help Desk for the latest international fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities to empower your future!
0 Comments