Asia-Europe Dialogue on Cultural Policies

Overview

In the field of cultural policy, Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) aims to stimulate analysis and engagement that reflect current political debates in Asia and Europe, as well as demonstrate verifiable alignment with priorities of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

The main objective of the Asia-Europe Dialogue on Cultural Policies is to promote research and dialogue and encourage information exchange on relevant policy areas in the arts and culture sector.

ASEF closely follows the topics of discussion at the ASEM Culture Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM CMM) and since 2010 the focus has been on heritage. ASEM presents the recommendations from civil society to the ASEM governments. Based on the findings and recommendations of the 5^th ASEM CMM, an Experts’ Meeting on ‘Heritage, Sustainable Tourism and Urban Living’ has been planned which will be held in Myanmar in 2013.

Under this programme, ASEF supports the WorldCP-International Database on Cultural Policies initiative which aims to provide easy online access to up-to-date and comprehensive information on arts and cultural policies globally.

Through ASEF’s online platform for cultural dialogue and discussion - culture360.org, specially commissioned features and interviews on cultural policy issues and trends have been presented.

Goals

• To enhance public access to reliable and continuously updated information on arts and culture on ASEM countries.
• To facilitate dialogue between government officials and civil experts on issues of common interests in arts and culture.

Upcoming activities

• ASEF Experts' Meeting & Public Forum - Investing in Heritage Cities: Stimulus for Sustainable Tourism and Livelihoods, 24-26 June 2013 (Yangon, Myanmar)
• Launch of Cultural Profiles of India, Mongolia, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam, July 2013
  
• 3^rd Experts’ Meeting on Cultural Policy, November 2013 (Hanoi, Vietnam)

Past programmes

In the past, ASEF implemented Connect2Culture programme (2008-2011) which explored explores the intersection between the arts, climate change and sustainable development through dialogue platforms and collaborative projects.