Apply for the ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 in Slovenia (Fully Funded) - the 4th edition of ASEF LinkUp | Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab. Organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) with Motovila Institute, and developed with Slovenian partners including the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Ministry of Culture of Slovenia, and Center Rog.
This year’s Lab focuses on Sustainability, Ethics and Equity in International Cultural Relations. An interdisciplinary cohort of about 20 arts and government representatives from ASEM partner countries will meet online and in person in Ljubljana to rethink who has access to cultural exchange, who can participate, and what makes Asia - Europe collaboration lasting and fair.
This Opportunity Station guide covers programme phases, fully funded benefits, eligibility, documents, timeline, and how to apply through the official Formstack open call.
Quick Facts - ASEF LinkUp 2026 Slovenia
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | Slovenia |
| Host city | Ljubljana (with related programme activity including Kranj) |
| Programme | ASEF LinkUp | Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab 2026 (4th edition) |
| Organisers | Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) & Motovila Institute |
| Theme | Sustainability, Ethics and Equity in International Cultural Relations |
| Format | Hybrid - online sessions + 5-day in-person Lab |
| In-person dates | 23 - 27 November 2026 |
| Overall timeline | October 2026 - February 2027 |
| Arts-sector places | Up to 10 mid-career cultural practitioners (open call) |
| Eligibility | Citizens of ASEM partner countries |
| Funding | Fully funded for selected arts-sector participants (travel, stay, per diem, visa) |
| Open call window | 30 July - 27 August 2026 |
| Deadline | 27 August 2026, 18:00 Singapore Time (SGT) |
| Official apply | ASEF LinkUp 2026 Formstack form |
Why Apply for ASEF LinkUp 2026 in Slovenia?
- Fully funded Asia - Europe cultural diplomacy lab in Ljubljana
- Join a curated cohort bridging arts practitioners and government / public-sector peers
- Deep dive into sustainability, ethics, and equity in cultural relations
- Build lasting networks across ASEM countries
- Contribute to the ASEF LinkUp Fieldbook with shared insights and recommendations
- No registration or participation fee
Programme Structure - Three Phases
- Online pre-sessions - five sessions from 15 October to 12 November 2026
- In-person Lab in Ljubljana - workshops, visits, and interactive sessions, 23 - 27 November 2026
- Fieldbook, Futures and Connections - up to three online sessions between December 2026 and February 2027
Fully Funded Benefits (Arts & Cultural Sector Participants)
ASEF and co-organisers cover the following for selected open-call participants:
- Return economy flight, train, or bus to Ljubljana from your country of residence (subject to an ASEF travel cap)
- Six nights’ accommodation in Ljubljana
- Per diem
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Refreshments and lunch during the in-person Lab
- No registration or participation fee
Confirm any personal costs (e.g. travel above the cap, insurance) in the official Open Call Guidelines.
Who Can Apply?
ASEF seeks up to 10 mid-career cultural practitioners, arts managers, academics, curators, researchers, and representatives from arts organisations, museums, and cultural networks who:
- Hold citizenship in an ASEM partner country
- Are passionate about facilitating international cultural exchanges
- Are committed to deepening Asia - Europe collaboration
- Are eager to learn beyond their own discipline and geography
- Want to share learnings with their communities and build new grassroots and institutional connections
About 10 additional government / public-sector / institutional participants join by nomination (not via this open call).
How to Apply
- Read the Open Call Guidelines & FAQ (PDF).
- Review the call on ASEF culture360.
- Complete the online form at Formstack - ASEF LinkUp 2026.
- Submit before Thursday, 27 August 2026, 18:00 Singapore Time.
- Expect outcome notification by mid-September 2026 via email.
Official Links
Apply - ASEF LinkUp 2026 Open Call Form
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FAQs - ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 Slovenia
Is ASEF LinkUp 2026 fully funded?
Yes for selected arts-sector open-call participants: return travel (within ASEF’s cap), 6 nights’ accommodation, per diem, visa fees where applicable, and Lab meals/refreshments. There is no participation fee.
What is the application deadline?
27 August 2026 at 18:00 Singapore Time (SGT).
Where is the in-person Lab held?
Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 23 to 27 November 2026, with programme visits that may include Kranj.
Who is eligible?
Mid-career arts and culture professionals who are citizens of ASEM partner countries and meet the open-call criteria. Government seats are filled by nomination.
Is the programme only in person?
No. It is hybrid: online pre-sessions, a 5-day Lab in Slovenia, then online Fieldbook / Futures sessions through early 2027.
