ASEF LinkUp Asia Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab 2026

ASEF LinkUp Asia Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) in partnership with Motovila Institute presents the fourth edition of the ASEF LinkUp | Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab, a unique meeting ground for cultural professionals, practitioners, policymakers, and institutional representatives from across the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) region. This year's edition takes place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 23 to 27 November 2026, developed in close cooperation with Slovenian partners including the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Ministry of Culture of Slovenia, and Center Rog . The programme aims to reimagine Asia-Europe cultural relations for today's realities through dialogue, collaboration, and mutual learning .

◆ Fully funded interdisciplinary programme for cultural professionals and policymakers.
◆ 20 participants from 51 ASEM partner countries.
◆ In-person Lab in Ljubljana, Slovenia (23–27 November 2026).
◆ Three-phase programme: online pre-sessions, in-person Lab, and Fieldbook phase.
◆ Check fully funded scholarships in Slovenia for international students for similar opportunities.

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Programme Theme – Sustainability, Ethics and Equity

The fourth edition of ASEF LinkUp focuses on:

◆ Sustainability, Ethics and Equity in International Cultural Relations.
◆ How to evolve towards more reciprocal, equitable, and co-created forms of engagement.
◆ Who sets the terms, and who has access?
◆ How smaller states define and practice cultural cooperation in their own contexts.
◆ Explore latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities for more field options.

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Programme Structure

The programme unfolds across three phases:

◆ Phase 1: Online Pre-Sessions (October 2026)
◉ Virtual sessions to prepare participants for the in-person Lab.

◆ Phase 2: In-Person Lab (23–27 November 2026)
◉ On-site programme in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
◉ Interdisciplinary discussions, workshops, and networking.

◆ Phase 3: Fieldbook, Futures and Connections Phase (December 2026 – February 2027)
◉ Documentation, follow-up activities, and continued networking.

◆ See financial aids for students in Europe for more funding options.

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Eligibility Criteria for ASEF LinkUp 2026

◉ Open to arts and cultural professionals, practitioners, policymakers, and institutional representatives.
◉ Must be from one of the 51 ASEM partner countries.
◉ Interdisciplinary cohort of 20 participants.
◉ Interest in sustainability, ethics, and equity in international cultural relations.
◉ Commitment to participate in all three phases of the programme.
◆ list of all open scholarships in Europe for additional opportunities.

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What Participants Will Gain

★ Opportunity to engage with cultural professionals and policymakers from Asia and Europe.
★ In-depth discussions on sustainability, ethics, and equity in cultural relations.
★ Access to a unique interdisciplinary learning environment.
★ Contribution to the ASEF LinkUp Fieldbook and Futures framework.
★ Networking with participants from 51 ASEM countries.
★ Explore Slovenia's latest scholarships in 2026 for more details.

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Why Choose ASEF LinkUp 2026

◆ Prestigious Asia-Europe Foundation programme fostering cultural diplomacy.
◆ Opportunity to reimagine Asia-Europe cultural relations .
◆ Interdisciplinary cohort of cultural professionals, practitioners, and policymakers .
◆ Three-phase programme ensuring sustained engagement and impact .
◆ Hosted in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the European Green Capital .
◆ Build lasting connections with ASEM partner countries .
◆ Explore fully funded scholarships in Slovenia for international students for similar programs.

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Final Thoughts – ASEF LinkUp 2026

◆ This is a unique opportunity for cultural professionals to engage in international cultural diplomacy .
◆ The programme offers a platform for reimagining Asia-Europe cultural relations .
◆ Apply early when the call for applications is launched .
◆ For more opportunities, explore latest scholarships in Slovenia for all nationalities .

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Apply Link

Apply Now for ASEF LinkUp 2026