ASEF participated in the 6th World Summit on Arts and Culture, which took place from 13-16 January 2014 in Santiago, Chile. The valuable role of ASEF in nurturing and supporting cultural networks in Asia and Europe was presented by Ms Anupama SEKHAR, ASEF’s Acting Director Culture Department in the session, New Systems/New Models: The Importance of Networks on 15 January 2014.
Cultural networks are emerging as an increasingly significant channel of international cooperation in the cultural field. As part of its on-going efforts to promote sustainable connections between Asia and Europe, ASEF encourages the establishment and development of professional networks in the field of arts and culture. A successful example was the establishment of the Asia-Europe Museum Network (ASEMUS) in 2000, now consisting of 97 members across 38 ASEM countries. In 2013, ASEF Creative Networks was launched to support the development of long-term activities among relevant cultural networks from Asia and Europe. This initiative also encourages the establishment of new bi-regional networks.
The Summit gathered over 400 government officials and cultural professionals to discuss new models for cultural development. It was co-organised by ASEF’s long-term partner, the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA).