The ASEF LinkUp 2026 is an Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab for mid-career professionals working in the arts and cultural sector. The programme combines online sessions with a five-day in-person Lab in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and runs from October 2026 to February 2027. Selected arts and cultural sector participants receive support for travel, accommodation, per diem and eligible visa costs. Applications must be submitted by 27 August 2026 at 6pm Singapore Time.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: ASEF LinkUp | Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab 2026
Category: Cultural Diplomacy Lab
Organiser: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia, and online
Format: Online sessions and an in-person Lab
Programme Period: October 2026–February 2027
Selected Arts Participants: Up to 10
Application Deadline: 27 August 2026 at 6pm Singapore Time
About ASEF LinkUp 2026
ASEF LinkUp brings together professionals from the arts, government and public sectors to exchange perspectives on international cultural relations.
The 2026 edition focuses on Sustainability, Ethics and Equity in International Cultural Relations. It examines how cultural cooperation between Asia and Europe can become more reciprocal, equitable and sustainable.
The programme is organised in partnership with Motovila Institute. It also works in cooperation with Slovenian partners, including the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, the Ministry of Culture of Slovenia and Center Rog.
The full interdisciplinary cohort is expected to include approximately 20 arts and government sector participants from ASEM partner countries. Through this open call, ASEF is seeking up to 10 participants from the arts and cultural sector.
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Programme Purpose
ASEF LinkUp functions as a laboratory for examining established ideas about international cultural relations and exploring alternative approaches.
The programme aims to:
✓ Bring arts-sector professionals closer to public-sector representatives working on cultural diplomacy
✓ Strengthen capacity-building and networking opportunities
✓ Encourage new approaches to cultural diplomacy and international cultural cooperation
✓ Build connections with local arts communities in the host country
✓ Develop and sustain a Community of Practice involving professionals working in cultural diplomacy
Participants will also contribute to the ASEF LinkUp Fieldbook, which will bring together insights, recommendations and actions related to Asia-Europe cultural relations.
Programme Structure and Dates
ASEF LinkUp 2026 consists of three phases between October 2026 and February 2027.
Phase 1: Online Pre-Sessions
Participants will attend five online sessions from 15 October to 12 November 2026.
The sessions take place every Thursday at 4pm Singapore Time. They include facilitated discussions, breakout sessions and contributions from guest speakers.
Participants will exchange experiences, practices, challenges and lessons related to sustainability, ethics and equity in international cultural relations.
Phase 2: In-Person Lab in Ljubljana
The five-day in-person Lab will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 23 to 27 November 2026.
The programme includes:
✓ Workshops
✓ Group discussions
✓ Site visits
✓ Interactive sessions
✓ Exchange on practical approaches to cultural cooperation between Asia and Europe
The in-person phase builds on the online sessions and explores practical scenarios and possible directions for international cultural cooperation.
Phase 3: Fieldbook, Futures and Connections
The final phase consists of up to three online sessions between December 2026 and February 2027.
Participants will work on finalising the ASEF LinkUp Fieldbook, reflect on their programme experience and consider how the group can remain connected with former ASEF LinkUp fellows.
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Who Can Apply?
ASEF is seeking cultural professionals working in international cultural relations.
The call welcomes:
• Cultural practitioners
• Arts managers
• Academics
• Curators
• Researchers
• Representatives of cultural networks
• Representatives of museums
• Representatives of arts organisations
Applicants must:
• Hold citizenship in an ASEM partner country.
• Currently work in the cultural sectors of Asia and/or Europe.
• Be comfortable communicating and writing in English.
• Be at least 21 years old when applying.
• Have no less than five years of experience as a mid-career cultural practitioner or professional working internationally and collaborating across borders.
• Be interested in facilitating international cultural exchange.
• Be committed to strengthening cultural exchange and collaboration across Asia and Europe.
• Be willing to share learning from ASEF LinkUp with their communities, organisations and networks.
• Be prepared to participate actively in the programme.
There is no maximum age limit.
Applications are welcomed from cultural practitioners working independently or as part of cultural organisations or networks.
Applicants may work in any artistic genre, including areas such as visual arts, performing arts and heritage.
Citizens of an eligible ASEM partner country may apply even if they currently live in a non-ASEM country.
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Costs and Financial Support
ASEF and the co-organisers cover several costs for selected participants from the arts and cultural sector.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ Return economy flight, train or bus expenses to Ljubljana from the participant’s country of residence, subject to a cap determined by ASEF
✓ Six nights of accommodation in Ljubljana, Slovenia
✓ Per diem
✓ Visa fees, where applicable
✓ Refreshments and lunch during the in-person Lab
There is no registration or participation fee for ASEF LinkUp.
Government-sector participants follow a separate selection arrangement. They are selected by nomination and financially supported by their respective ministries, agencies or institutions.
What Participants Gain
ASEF LinkUp is designed to provide professional learning, exchange and networking across the Asia-Europe cultural relations field.
Participants can expect to:
✓ Broaden their perspectives on international cultural relations beyond their own discipline and geography
✓ Develop ideas for long-term transformation in cultural relations
✓ Join a community of peers working in international cultural relations across Asia and Europe
✓ Exchange ideas and experience with professionals from different sectors and geographical contexts
✓ Establish new grassroots and institutional connections
All selected participants are expected to commit to the complete programme, including its online and in-person components.
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Application and Selection Process
Applicants should first review the Open Call Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions before completing the official online application.
Candidates should:
• Confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Complete the official online application form.
• Submit the completed application by the stated deadline.
• Be available to participate in all phases of ASEF LinkUp if selected.
ASEF and its partners review eligible applications after the submission period.
Applications are assessed based on:
• The quality and content of the applicant’s purpose and objective for participating in ASEF LinkUp
• The relevance of the applicant’s profile, interests and experience to the programme
Applicants can expect to receive the outcome of their application by email in mid-September 2026.
Application Deadline
Applications for ASEF LinkUp 2026 must be submitted by:
Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 6pm Singapore Time
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official online application form below.
