Applications are now open for the ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 in Slovenia. The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) is inviting candidates to participate in its fully funded international cultural program. The 2026 edition will focus on Sustainability, Ethics and Equity in International Cultural Relations and will bring together approximately 20 participants from Asia and Europe to exchange ideas, strengthen international partnerships, and develop innovative approaches to cultural cooperation. Selected arts sector participants will receive financial support covering travel, accommodation, visa costs, and daily allowances. More details are below.
Program Overview
- Host Organization: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
- Program Name: ASEF LinkUp 2026
- Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
- In-Person Dates: 23–27 November 2026
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 27 August 2027
Financial Benefits
- Return economy airfare
- Visa fee
- Six nights of accommodation
- Daily per diem
- Refreshments and lunch during the in-person lab
- No registration fee
About ASEF LinkUp 2026
ASEF LinkUp is an international cultural diplomacy initiative organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). The programme connects arts professionals and government representatives from ASEM countries to explore innovative approaches to international cultural cooperation.
The 2026 edition is organized in partnership with the Motovila Institute and Slovenian cultural partners and will focus on:
- Sustainability
- Ethics
- Equity
- International Cultural Relations
- Asia-Europe cultural cooperation
- Cross-sector collaboration
- Cultural diplomacy
- Community building
Program Structure
The program consists of three phases.
- Phase 1 – Online Sessions
- 5 online sessions
- 15 October – 12 November 2026
- Phase 2 – In-Person Lab
- 23–27 November 2026
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
Activities include:
- Workshops
- Interactive discussions
- Site visits
- Group projects
- Networking
Phase 3 – Fieldbook & Community
- December 2026 – February 2027
Participants will collaborate on the ASEF LinkUp Fieldbook and continue engaging with the ASEF cultural diplomacy network
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an ASEM partner country
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be working in the arts or cultural sector
- Have at least five years of international professional experience
- Work as cultural practitioners, arts managers, curators, researchers, academics, museum professionals, or representatives of cultural organizations/networks
- Be comfortable communicating in English
- Be committed to participating in all programme phases
Who Should Apply?
The program is ideal for:
- Cultural practitioners
- Arts managers
- Museum professionals
- Curators
- Researchers
- Academics
- Cultural organizations
- Arts networks
- Heritage professionals
- Creative sector leaders
How to Apply for the ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 in Slovenia?
Submit an online application from the official website. There is no registration or participation fee. The link is below.
APPLY NOW FOR THE ASIALINKUP 2026
More Fully Funded Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASEF LinkUp Program 2027 in Slovenia?
The ASEF LinkUp Program is a fully funded international cultural program organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) in partnership with the Motovila Institute and Slovenian cultural partners. It is an international cultural diplomacy initiative connecting arts professionals and government representatives from ASEM countries to explore innovative approaches to international cultural cooperation. The 2026 edition focuses on Sustainability, Ethics, and Equity in International Cultural Relations, bringing together approximately 20 participants from Asia and Europe.
What does the ASEF LinkUp Program cover?
Selected arts sector participants receive financial support covering return economy airfare, visa fees, six nights of accommodation, a daily per diem, and refreshments and lunch during the in-person lab. There is no registration fee. The program consists of Phase 1 online sessions (5 online sessions from 15 October to 12 November 2026) and Phase 2, an in-person lab in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 23-27 November 2026.
What activities are part of the ASEF LinkUp Program?
The program focuses on sustainability, ethics, equity, international cultural relations, Asia-Europe cultural cooperation, cross-sector collaboration, cultural diplomacy, and community building. Activities include workshops, interactive discussions, site visits, group projects, and networking, giving participants space to exchange ideas, strengthen international partnerships, and develop innovative approaches to cultural cooperation.
How do I apply for the ASEF LinkUp Program?
The application deadline is 27 August 2027. Check the official ASEF LinkUp page linked in this article for the most current eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines. Since only about 20 participants from Asia and Europe are selected, apply early and highlight your work in the arts sector or cultural cooperation.