What is ASEF Mobility First!?
Mobility First! is a mobility grants programme of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) which aims to support the mutual cultural practice of those working in the arts in Asia and Europe. Since it was launched in 2017, Mobility First! has supported the cross-border mobility of over 300 cultural professionals between 48 ASEM partner countries.
Through Mobility First!, ASEF is able to promote people-to-people exchanges across Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries and is able to provide financial support for international travel for cultural professionals selected through its competitive open calls.
However in 2021, in response to the continuing restrictions on travel and physical gatherings due to Covid-19, Mobility First! will offer collaboration grants for artists and arts managers from Asia and Europe to jointly create new works or texts. This initiative aims to create opportunities for international cultural exchange and profesional connections at a time of very limited face-to-face encounters.
Mobility First! is publicly funded by 53 ASEM partner countries. In addition, ASEF also welcomes co-funding partnerships from the private sector and other organisations interested in engaging new audiences, widening their impact, and achieving their CSR goals.
Cultural exchange across the ASEM region
Share this
ASEF Mobility First! Map
About the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) is an intergovernmental not-for-profit organisation located in Singapore. Founded in 1997, it is the only institution of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). ASEF promotes understanding, strengthens relationships and facilitates cooperation among the people, institutions and organisations of Asia and Europe. ASEF enhances dialogue, enables exchanges and encourages collaboration across the thematic areas of culture, education, governance, sustainable development, economy and public health.
For more information, please visit www.ASEF.org.
About the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an intergovernmental process established in 1996 to foster dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe. Presently, it comprises 53 Partners: 30 European and 21 Asian countries, the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat. ASEM addresses political, economic, financial, social, cultural, and educational issues of common interest in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership.
For more information, please visit www.aseminfoboard.org
The ASEF Mobility First! travel grant for artists contributes to the ASEM process by connecting civil societies in Asia and Europe through meaningful cultural exchanges based on equal partnership and enhancing mutual understanding.