DNP Foundation for Cultural Promotion Graphic Culture Research Grant
We define “graphic culture” as visual expression and communication shaped by printing, reproduction technologies, and multiplicity.
Through supporting a wide range of research in the humanities and social sciences, we aim to advance graphic culture and academic research by sharing its outcomes with society.
News
- November 13 (Thu.)
- Notice of Graphic Culture Research Grant research report conference and a party
- April 01 (Tue.)
- Graphic Culture Research Grant Information Session
- March 31 (Mon.)
- Call for Grant Program 2025: Grants for Graphic Culture Research
About The Graphic Culture Research Grant
Target Research Fields
Category A: Research on graphic culture in general
Research into graphic culture including graphic design, printing, printmaking, and photography, in academic fields such as art history, design history, aesthetics, art education, visual culture studies, and cultural sociology.
Category B: Research on graphic culture-related archives
Research into the creation of archives related to graphic culture. For example, research and practice into creating archives for graphic design or photography, new methods for organizing, cataloging and publishing materials, or data models.
Eligibility
Grant candidates must be scholars—either individuals or groups—engaging in research relating to graphic culture.
(1) Full-time researchers (faculty members, curators, researchers, archivists, librarians, etc.) permanently employed at universities, museums and other research institutions.
(2) Researchers other than those listed above who have been recommended by a university professor, museum director, or equivalent. The recommender must be a person with expertise in the field, such as a supervisor (including past supervisors) or a senior-level professional.
Grant Period
One year: January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027
Two years: January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028
Grant Amount
Up to 500,000 JPY per year
Screening process and notification of results
The Foundation’s screening committee select grant winners.
Applicants can check the results on the application system in October.
We will post the Adopted Research Topics on the Foundation’s website.
Screening Committee
- Toshino Iguchi
- Professor Emeritus, Saitama University; President, NPO. Design History Research Center Tokyo
- Kenji Kajiya
- Professor, The University of Tokyo
- Yuko Kikuchi
- Former Head of Academic Programmes, Victoria and Albert Museum
- Akira Tatehata
- Director, Kyoto Art Center
- Yasuhito Nagahara
- Graphic Designer
- Seishi Namiki
- Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology; Director, KIT Museum and Archives
- Fujio Maeda
- Professor Emeritus, Keio University
- Yuri Mitsuda
- Professor, Tama Art University; Director, Tama Art University Art Archives Center
※As of March 2026
Call For Grants for Graphic Culture Research 2026
Call For Grants for Graphic Culture Research 2026
Application Period
April 1, 2026, to June 15, 2026
Application Method
Applicant Registration
Applicants are to register according to the application system manual.
・Application System manual（PDF
）
※The applicant registration page will be available from April 1,
How to Complete the Application Form
You can access My Page after reJagistering,
Please type in the required fields from My Page, download the 'Research Plan form' (Word) and, as necessary, the 'Recommendation form’ below, fill in the required information and upload your application.
※Researchers working full-time at universities, museums, and other research institutions unnecessarily submit a letter of recommendation. For more information, please see the Requirements.
■Documents for Submission
・Research Plan Form（Microsoft Word
）
・Recommendation form（PDF）
※ If you are unable to download the PDF file, please try using a different browser.
Submission of Application Form
The application is completed by submitting it to the application system after uploading the' research plan' and, if necessary,' recommendation'.
A notification of application completion will be sent to your registered e-mail address.
If you have not received any notification, please contact us.
Confirmation of Results
At the end of the screening in October, you will receive notification e-mails and check the results on the application system.
For Grant Recipients, Documents for Submission
Inquiries
If you have any questions, please contact us.
E-mail: dnp-foundation-grants(at)team.dnp.co.jp
※Replace (at) by @.