Connect2Culture

Overview

Connect2Culture is a programme initiated by ASEF to investigate the evolving role of arts and culture in society. It connects culture with other fields, such as the environment, sustainable development, human rights, the economy, bi-regional trade, health, education and youth.

Launched in October 2008, the first edition of Connect2Culture (2008-2011) explored connections between the arts, culture and global environmental issues. As a result of the programme, in 2011 ASEF launched the Connect2Culture dossier: Arts. Environment. Sustainability. How can Culture Make a Difference? at the ASEF-supported roundtable at the 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture in Melbourne, Australia.

A new phase of the Connect2Culture starts in 2012. It will focus on the role of arts and culture in sustainable human development. Activities that are part of this programme include the support through open call towards research and network meetings, which will give input for the preparation of a larger conference on ‘culture and development’ in 2013.

Our Goals

• Encourage the culture sector to engage with other fields and themes, such as those highlighted above;
• Raise awareness of contemporary issues in the culture sector in Asia and Europe and encourage this sector to collaborate with other fields
• Link Asia and Europe in the area of culture with other fields through inter-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder networking activities; and
• Bridge existing knowledge gaps of best practices linking the culture sector with other fields such as those mentioned above.