ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 in Slovenia

ASEF LinkUp 2026 in Slovenia | Apply for Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab

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Are you working in the arts and cultural sector and looking to build international connections? The ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 | Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab is now accepting applications from mid-career arts professionals across Asia and Europe. Organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), this international professional development program brings together cultural practitioners, academics, curators, researchers, arts managers, and representatives of cultural organisations to strengthen cultural relations between Asia and Europe.

The ASEF LinkUp 2026 program will run from October 2026 to February 2027 through a combination of online learning sessions and an in-person lab in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Participants will join interactive workshops, study visits, discussions, and networking activities designed to promote inclusive, ethical, and sustainable cultural diplomacy. Up to 10 participants will be selected through the international open call.

The Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab aims to create a collaborative space where professionals from the arts, government, and public sectors can exchange ideas, learn from each other, and develop new approaches to international cultural cooperation. If you are committed to strengthening cultural exchanges between Asia and Europe, this is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional network and contribute to future international collaborations.

Quick Overview of ASEF LinkUp Program 2026

  • Host: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
  • Program: ASEF LinkUp | Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab 2026
  • Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Program Period: October 2026 to February 2027
  • Online Sessions: 15 October to 12 November 2026
  • In-Person Lab: 23 to 27 November 2026
  • Follow-Up Sessions: December 2026 to February 2027
  • Participants: Up to 10
  • Eligible Applicants: Mid-career arts and cultural professionals from ASEM partner countries
  • Deadline: 27 August 2026 (6:00 PM Singapore Time)

Also Check: ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 in Mongolia

About ASEF LinkUp 2026

ASEF LinkUp is an international cultural diplomacy program organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). The 2026 edition is co-organised with the Motovila Institute in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, the Ministry of Culture of Slovenia, and Center Rog.

This year’s program focuses on creating more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable cultural relations across Asia and Europe. Participants will discuss important questions related to international cultural cooperation, including who has access to cultural exchanges, how participation can become more inclusive, and what conditions help long-term international partnerships succeed.

Also Check: One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 in South Africa

Benefits of ASEF LinkUp 2026 Slovenia

Selected participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Participate in international workshops and collaborative learning activities.
  • Connect with cultural professionals from Asia and Europe.
  • Exchange ideas with experts from the arts and public sectors.
  • Build long-term international professional networks.
  • Contribute to discussions on cultural diplomacy and international cultural cooperation.
  • Take part in both virtual and in-person learning activities in Slovenia.

ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 Schedule

The program consists of three different phases.

Online Pre-Sessions

Participants will attend five online sessions between 15 October and 12 November 2026. These virtual meetings will introduce key topics and prepare participants for the in-person activities.

In-Person Cultural Diplomacy Lab

Selected participants will travel to Ljubljana, Slovenia, to take part in a five-day program from 23 to 27 November 2026. The lab includes workshops, site visits, collaborative discussions, and interactive learning sessions.

Follow-Up Sessions

After the in-person program, participants will continue their engagement through up to three online sessions between December 2026 and February 2027. These sessions aim to strengthen collaborations and support continued exchange among participants.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to mid-career professionals working in the arts and cultural sector.

Applicants should:

  • Be citizens of an ASEM partner country.
  • Be a mid-career cultural practitioner, arts manager, curator, researcher, academic, or representative of an arts organisation, museum, or cultural network.
  • Have a strong interest in international cultural exchange.
  • Be committed to strengthening collaboration between Asia and Europe.
  • Be open to learning from professionals across different disciplines and countries.

Applicants should review the official Open Call Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions before submitting their applications.

Program Themes

The 2026 edition will focus on:

  • Cultural Diplomacy
  • Cultural Policy
  • Cultural Relations
  • Professional Development

Eligible Disciplines

Professionals from the following fields are encouraged to apply:

  • Performing Arts
  • Visual Arts

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete the official online application form before the deadline.

Application Deadline: 27 August 2026 (6:00 PM Singapore Time)


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