2026 Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship in USA – Fully Funded Residency

Organiser	The Asia Foundation
Host Country	USA
Location	Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Dates	June 1 – August 31, 2026
Deadline	March 24, 2026
Funding	Fully Funded
Application Fee	None
Eligibility	Emerging curators from USA, Asia, Pacific Islands

The 2026 Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship presents an exceptional opportunity for emerging contemporary art curators from Asia, the United States, and the Pacific Islands. This fully funded residency is hosted at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco and supports two curators—one from Asia and one from the USA—for a three-month period. The program celebrates community-centered curatorial practices that build meaningful connections between art and diverse communities. If you are an emerging curator passionate about innovative, community-engaged approaches to art, this fellowship invites your application. There is no application fee, and all essential expenses are covered, making it accessible to qualified candidates ready to deepen their curatorial experience in an international context.

Details About 2026 Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship in USA (Fully Funded)

• Host Country: United States of America
• Location: Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
• Duration: 3 months (June 1 – August 31, 2026)
• Funding Type: Fully funded residency
• Number of Fellows: Two (one from Asia, one from the USA)
• Deadline for Applications: March 24, 2026

About 2026 Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship

Organized by The Asia Foundation in partnership with the Asian Art Museum, this fellowship supports emerging curators interested in Asian and Asian American art. The program encourages exchange and professional growth within the curatorial community by offering a dedicated residency in San Francisco. Fellows engage in research, public programming, and experimental projects that help redefine how museums can connect with communities.

Financial Benefits

• Travel: Round-trip airfare or transportation to and from San Francisco is fully covered.
• Accommodation: Housing is provided for the entire three-month residency period.
• Daily Allowance: A per diem is granted to cover living expenses while in residence.
• Research Grant: A $7,500 stipend supports a self-designed study tour as part of the fellowship.

Fellowship Theme

The 2026 fellowship centers on Community-Centered Curatorial Practice. Candidates should demonstrate an active engagement with communities through their curatorial work. This includes leveraging lived experiences, fostering long-term relationships, and sharing knowledge to enrich cultural expression. Fellows will study various community-based models locally and internationally, including digital and networked platforms. A critical part of the program involves reviewing past museum exhibitions and reimagining how these can be updated to better resonate with communities and encourage dialogue.

Expected Fellowship Outcomes

• Written reflections on curatorial practices and community engagement.
• Development and participation in public programs and events at the museum.
• Creation of experimental online projects to extend community reach.
• Proposals for future exhibitions that enhance community connection.
• Overall, the fellowship aims to transform exhibitions into bridges linking communities, places, and networks.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be emerging contemporary art curators from the United States, Asia, or Pacific Islands.
• Open to curators working both within traditional museum settings and independently, including artists with curatorial experience.
• Applicants should have demonstrated experience with community engagement or digital/online exhibitions.
• Full proficiency in English is required.
• Applicants must commit to residing in San Francisco for the full three months of the program (June 1 – August 31, 2026).

How to Apply for the 2026 Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship in USA (Fully Funded)?

Applications are submitted online through the official platform. Review the full eligibility requirements and prepare your documents carefully to ensure a strong submission. Early preparation is recommended due to the competitive nature of the fellowship. To apply, visit the official application page by clicking the link below.

Take advantage of this fully funded opportunity to advance your curatorial career while engaging deeply with community-focused art practices in a leading cultural institution.