ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 in Slovenia | Fully Funded

Introduction

Applications are now open for the ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 in Slovenia. The Asia-Europe Foundation is inviting arts and cultural sector professionals to a fully funded international cultural program focused on Sustainability, Ethics and Equity in International Cultural Relations, bringing together approximately 20 participants from Asia and Europe with travel, accommodation, visa costs, and daily allowances all covered.

About the Organization

ASEF LinkUp is an international cultural diplomacy initiative organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), connecting 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.

Scholarship Overview

The program unfolds across three phases. Phase 1 consists of five online sessions running from 15 October to 12 November 2026. Phase 2 is an in-person lab in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 23-27 November 2026, featuring workshops, interactive discussions, site visits, group projects, and networking. Phase 3 runs from December 2026 through February 2027, during which participants collaborate on the ASEF LinkUp Fieldbook and continue engaging with ASEF's cultural diplomacy network. The application deadline is 27 August 2026.

Eligibility Explained

• Be a citizen 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 a cultural practitioner, arts manager, curator, researcher, academic, museum professional, or representative of a cultural organization or network.
• Be comfortable communicating in English.
• Be committed to participating in all three programme phases, not just the in-person lab.

Benefits Explained

• Return economy airfare.
• Visa fee coverage.
• Six nights of accommodation.
• Daily per diem.
• Refreshments and lunch during the in-person lab.
• No registration fee.

Required Documents

While the specific document checklist is confirmed on ASEF's official application platform, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their professional background in the arts or cultural sector, including a CV reflecting at least five years of relevant international experience and a clear statement connecting their work to the programme's focus on sustainability, ethics, and equity in cultural relations.

Application Process (Step by Step)

1. Confirm your country's ASEM partner status, since eligibility depends on this.
2. Visit the official ASEF culture360 application page for LinkUp 2026.
3. Complete the online application, detailing your professional background in the arts or cultural sector.
4. Confirm your availability across all three programme phases, online sessions, the in-person lab, and the fieldbook collaboration period.
5. Submit before 27 August 2026. There is no registration or participation fee.

How to Improve Your Chances

• Clearly document your five-plus years of international professional experience, since this is a firm eligibility requirement, not a preference.
• Connect your application specifically to the 2026 theme, Sustainability, Ethics and Equity in International Cultural Relations, rather than describing your work in general terms.
• Confirm upfront that you can commit to all three phases, since the programme explicitly requires full participation, not just attendance at the in-person lab.
• Apply well before the 27 August 2026 deadline, since only around 20 participants are selected.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without confirming your country's ASEM partner status first.
• Underestimating the five-year professional experience requirement, this isn't a program for early-career arts professionals.
• Assuming you can join only the in-person lab, all three phases require commitment.
• Submitting a generic application that doesn't address the specific 2026 thematic focus.

FAQs

Is there a registration fee? No, there is no registration or participation fee.

Is this program for students? No, it requires at least five years of international professional experience in the arts or cultural sector.

Where does the in-person component take place? Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 23-27 November 2026.

Can applicants from any country apply? No, eligibility is limited to citizens of ASEM partner countries.

Final Advice

For established arts and cultural sector professionals interested in Asia-Europe cultural cooperation, ASEF LinkUp 2026 offers a fully funded, three-phase program that goes well beyond a single in-person event, continuing engagement through a collaborative Fieldbook and ASEF's broader cultural diplomacy network. Confirm your ASEM eligibility and professional experience match the requirements before applying, since this program is specifically built for experienced practitioners.

Key Details at a Glance

• 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 2026
• Number of Participants: Approximately 20
• Minimum Experience Required: 5 years international professional experience

Disclaimer: Program details, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change by the Asia-Europe Foundation. Applicants should verify all current information directly on the official ASEF culture360 website before applying.