YBB -Are you a mid-career professional working in arts, culture, or heritage? The ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 in Slovenia offers a fully funded opportunity to connect cultural practitioners from Asia and Europe. The program welcomes arts managers, academics, curators, researchers, and representatives of cultural organisations and networks.
Through the Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab 2026, participants will exchange ideas, explore cultural diplomacy, and develop opportunities for long-term collaboration. Moreover, the program combines online learning with an immersive in-person experience in Ljubljana.
About the ASEF LinkUp Program 2026
The ASEF LinkUp Program aims to strengthen cultural relations between Asia and Europe. Participants will come together to discuss international cultural exchange while learning from professionals with different backgrounds and perspectives.
The program will run from October 2026 to February 2027 through three phases.
First, participants will join five online pre-sessions from October to November 2026. These sessions will prepare participants for the main in-person program.
Next, selected participants will travel to Ljubljana, Slovenia, for a five-day in-person program. During this phase, they will take part in workshops, site visits, interactive sessions, and group discussions.
Finally, participants will attend up to three online sessions between December 2026 and February 2027. These sessions will help participants continue their discussions and strengthen connections developed during the program.
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Benefits of the ASEF LinkUp Program
The program provides substantial financial support for selected participants. Therefore, participants can take part without paying registration or application fees.
Benefits include:
- No registration or application fee.
- Round-trip travel support from the participant’s home country to Ljubljana.
- Six nights of accommodation during the in-person program.
- Meals during the in-person phase.
- Visa fee coverage.
- Per diem to support living expenses.
- Refreshments during the in-person activities.
- Opportunities to connect with cultural professionals from Asia and Europe.
- Workshops, site visits, and discussions focused on cultural diplomacy.
Eligibility Criteria
The ASEF LinkUp Program welcomes professionals who are committed to international cultural exchange.
Applicants should:
- Hold citizenship in an ASEM partner country.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have no upper age limit.
- Demonstrate an interest in international cultural exchange.
- Show commitment to strengthening collaboration between Asia and Europe.
- Be willing to learn about cultural relations beyond their own discipline and region.
- Have good English language skills.
- Be available and committed to participating in all three program phases.
The opportunity is particularly relevant for individuals working in the arts and cultural sector, including cultural practitioners, arts managers, academics, curators, researchers, and representatives of cultural organisations and networks.
How to Apply for ASEF LinkUp Program 2026
Applicants must submit their applications through the official online application form.
Follow these steps:
- Access the official ASEF LinkUp application portal.
- Enter your personal information and contact details.
- Select the artistic or cultural field in which you work.
- Provide your professional designation and organisation details, if applicable.
- Upload your CV.
- Answer the program’s essay questions.
- Confirm your availability for all three program phases.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated CV.
- Passport.
- Other relevant supporting documents, if applicable.
Applicants should also prepare thoughtful responses to the essay questions because these answers form an important part of the application.
Program Timeline
The ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 will take place from October 2026 to February 2027.
The first phase will consist of online preparation sessions from October to November. Then, participants will attend the five-day in-person program in Ljubljana. Finally, the program will conclude with up to three online sessions between December 2026 and February 2027.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 is:
27 August 2026
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required information is complete.
Why You Should Apply
The ASEF LinkUp Program provides more than international travel. Instead, it creates a platform for professionals to develop meaningful cultural partnerships across continents.
Furthermore, participants can explore new approaches to cultural diplomacy while exchanging knowledge with professionals from different disciplines. The in-person experience in Ljubljana also provides opportunities to visit cultural institutions, participate in workshops, and build lasting international connections.
For arts and cultural professionals interested in expanding their international network, this program offers a valuable opportunity to connect Asia and Europe through creativity, dialogue, and collaboration.
Conclusion
The ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 in Slovenia is a fully funded cultural exchange opportunity for professionals who want to strengthen collaboration between Asia and Europe. Through online sessions, an immersive program in Ljubljana, and continued virtual engagement, participants can develop new perspectives and international partnerships. If you meet the eligibility requirements and work in the arts or cultural sector, submit your application before 27 August 2026.
Official Application Link: https://asiaeuropefoundation.formstack.com/forms/aseflinkup2026_opencall
