The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), in partnership with the Motovila Institute and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, has officially launched the open call for ASEF LinkUp 2026: Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab.
Taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia from 23 to 27 November 2026 (with virtual sessions from October 2026 to February 2027), this flagship hybrid program brings together 20 mid-career arts, culture, and policy professionals from Asia and Europe to address Sustainability, Ethics, and Equity in International Cultural Relations.
Program Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Host Organization | Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), Motovila Institute & Slovenian Ministries |
| In-Person Location | Ljubljana, Slovenia |
| In-Person Dates | 23 – 27 November 2026 (6 nights accommodation provided) |
| Program Format | Hybrid (5 online pre-sessions + 5-day in-person lab + post-lab fieldbook work) |
| Application Fee | $0 / €0 (100% Free) |
| Age Limit | 21+ Years Old (No maximum age limit) |
| Eligible Countries | Citizens of all ASEM partner countries (Including India) |
| Application Deadline | August 27, 2026 (18:00 SGT / Singapore Time) |
Can Indian Citizens Apply?
Yes! Indian citizens are 100% eligible.
India is an official Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) partner nation. Indian arts managers, curators, cultural researchers, policymakers, and heritage leaders residing in India or abroad can submit their applications.
Funding Breakdown & Hidden Cost Assessment
The program is fully funded by ASEF and its partners. There are zero application or participation fees.
What is 100% Covered:
- International Airfare: Round-trip economy flight tickets to Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Accommodation: 6 nights of free hotel accommodation in Ljubljana.
- Per Diem Allowance: Daily living allowance/stipend to cover incidental expenses.
- Visa Expenses: Full reimbursement of Schengen visa application fees.
- Meals: Provided lunches and refreshments throughout the 5-day in-person workshop.
Potential Out-of-Pocket Costs:
- Passport Renewal Fees: Issuing or renewing your national passport before visa processing.
- Local Travel: Transportation from your residence to your home country’s international airport.
Eligibility Criteria
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the arts, cultural heritage, creative industries, or cultural policy sectors.
- Roles Accepted: Cultural practitioners, curators, museum professionals, arts managers, academics, researchers, and representatives of cultural NGOs or networks.
- Age: Must be at least 21 years old at the time of application (no upper age limit).
- Language: Fluent command of spoken and written English.
- Commitment: Must commit to attending all 3 hybrid phases (5 virtual pre-sessions in Oct–Nov 2026, 5 days in Slovenia, and post-session fieldbook work in Dec 2026–Feb 2027).
Required Documents & How to Apply
- Updated CV / Resume
- Passport Copy
- Professional Profile & Motivation Statement
- Responses to Program Essay Questions
Official Application Portal: ASEF LinkUp 2026 Call for Participants
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