Frank Feltens

Art professional and communicator with extensive experience in managing exhibitions, conducting research, and fostering international collaborations. Has contributed significantly to strategic planning, internal operations, and initiatives focused on diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Fluent in multiple languages, he combines his expertise in Japanese art with strong skills in fundraising, project management, and community engagement.

• Curator of Japanese Art, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC, 20560, 2023, Present, Senior curator overseeing management, research, and exhibitions of the national collection of Japanese art., Coordinates fundraising efforts; negotiates collaboration agreements., Serves on the DEAI Task Force and the Gallery 26 Core Team., Acts as the CUR-ADV liaison to enhance curator-advancement relationships., Project Liaison for MOUs with the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts, and the National Institute of Japanese Literature.
• Associate Curator of Japanese Art, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC, 20560, 2021, 2023
• The Japan Foundation Assistant Curator of Japanese Art, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC, 20560, 2017, 2021, Researched and exhibited the national collection of Japanese art., Contributed to the development of the Strategic Plan (2020-2025)., Served on the Financial Resilience Committee to enhance funding strategies., Participated in the Work Culture Task Force to promote a positive work environment within the organization.
• Research Associate, Museum of Asian Art, Berlin State Museums, Germany, 2015, 2016
• Research Scholar, Sensōji, Tokyo, Japan, 2012, 2015
• Curatorial Associate, Nezu Museum, Tokyo, Japan, 2013, 2014
• Research Assistant, Museum of Modern Art, New York, 2011, 2012

• Imagined Neighbors: Japanese Visions of China, 1680-1980, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, 2024, Featured in Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Bijutsu techō
• Staging the Supernatural: Ghosts and the Theater in Japanese Prints, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, 2024
• Words of Wisdom: Buddhist Calligraphy from Japan, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, 2023 – 2024, Featured in Washington Post
• Masterpieces from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Consulting curator for special exhibition at Kenninji Temple, Kyoto, Japan, 2023, Covered by NHK, Asahi Shinbun, Yomiuri Shinbun, and numerous other media outlets
• Underdogs and AntiHeroes: Japanese Prints from the Moskowitz Collection, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, 2022 – 2023, Featured in Washington Post
• Mind Over Matter: Zen in Medieval Japan, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, 2022, Featured in New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Japan Times, Smithsonian Magazine
• Hokusai: Mad about Painting, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, 2019 – 2021, Covered by multiple national and international media, including Asahi Shinbun, Washington Post, and NPR

• Advisor, National Association of Japan-America Societies, Washington, DC, 2021, Present
• Guest Lecturer, U.S. Department of State, Foreign Service Institute, Washington, DC, 2019, Present
• Project Advisor, Smithsonian Science Education Center, 2019, 2022
• Primary Reader, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington, DC, 2018, Present

• 2024, Podcast interview on female spirits and revenge in noh theater, SideDoor
• 2022, Podcast interview on kabuki theater and traditional prints, SideDoor
• 2021, Featured on Nippon TV News: “Hokusai Mad About Painting”
• 2020, Multiple contributions to SideDoor podcast and commentary videos on Japanese art

Please reach out through the left menu in the BrutusAI app, available for download at BrutusAI Downloads

202-633-0485, 202-378-7233

1050 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC, 20560

Title: Curator of Japanese Art

• German, Native
• English, Native proficiency
• Modern Japanese and French, Fluent
• Classical Japanese and Classical Chinese, Reading proficiency
• Modern Korean, Beginner level