The new AECFest CAMP is a capacity-building and professional networking platform for mid-career performing arts producers and curators, designed to strengthen Asia–Europe cultural exchange. It responds to the challenges of international mobility and the need for festivals to generate long-term impact, creating structured opportunities for dialogue, peer learning, and collaboration across both regions.

The AECFest CAMP brings together a curated group of 7 mid-career professionals from Asia and Europe, selected in consultation with ASEF’s partner institutions. The cohort includes independent producers and festival or institution-based practitioners from diverse contexts across Asia and Europe, enabling exchange across different production models, funding systems, and curatorial approaches.

The pilot edition in 2026 will take place as part of the 8th Asia–Europe Cultural Festival in Utrecht from 19–23 May, in partnership with SPRING Performing Arts Festival.  Embedded within the festival, the CAMP combines access to performances with curated conversations, peer exchange, and meetings with artists and organisers.

Participants gain insight into festival production and curatorial practices, while reflecting on festivals as spaces of cultural diplomacy and collaboration. The programme also encourages the development of initial ideas for future co-commissioning and cross-regional collaboration.

The AECFest CAMP is planned as an annual platform that reinforces ASEF’s role in supporting sustainable, future-oriented performing arts ecosystems between Asia and Europe.

Photo credits: SPRING Performing Arts Festival 2025 © Allard Willemse