The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) is launching the call for arts and cultural sector participants for ASEF LinkUp | Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab 2026.
Conceived as a meeting ground for the arts, government and public sector representatives to listen, share and learn alongside one another, ASEF LinkUp aims to inspire collective action towards more reciprocal, equitable and long-term cultural exchanges and dialogue.
Co-organised with Motovila Institute and in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Ministry of Culture of Slovenia and Center Rog, this year’s Lab seeks to reimagine inclusive, ethical and sustainable cultural relations across Asia and Europe – who has access, who can participate, what allows cross border exchanges to flourish and continue?
ASEF LinkUp takes place from October 2026 to February 2027 across 3 phases:
- Online pre-sessions: 5 sessions from 15 October to 12 November 2026
- In-person Lab in Ljubljana, Slovenia: 5 days of workshops, visits, and interactive sessions from 23 to 27 November 2026
- Fieldbook, Futures and Connections: up to 3 online sessions between December 2026 to February 2027
ASEF is seeking up to 10 mid-career cultural practitioners, arts managers, academics, curators, researchers and representatives from arts organisations, museums and cultural networks to join the Lab. Applicants should hold citizenship in an ASEM partner country.
ASEF and the co-organisers will cover the following costs for selected participants from the arts and cultural sector:
- Return economy flight, train or bus expenses to Ljubljana from your country of residence (subjected to a cap determined by ASEF)
- 6-nights’ accommodation in Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Per diem
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Refreshments and lunch will be provided for all participants during the in-person Lab
