Mobility First! – ASEF Cultural Mobility Initiative | Collaboration Grants 2021

Mobility First! – ASEF Cultural Mobility Initiative is a mobility grants programme that supports the mutual cultural practice of those working in the arts. Since it was launched in 2017, Mobility First! has supported the cross-border mobility of over 300 cultural professionals between 48 ASEM countries.

In 2021, in response to the continuing restrictions on travel and physical gatherings due to Covid-19, Mobility First! will offer virtual collaboration grants to 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 professional connections at a time of very limited face-to-face encounters.

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Cycle 2 is now accepting applications starting 1 April 2021 and selection will be on a rolling basis. They encourage applicants to submit their proposals early. They will review proposals as soon as they are received and announce when their funding support is fully committed. Applicants can expect feedback within 2 weeks of submission. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals early.

Focus areas:

The following focus areas will be prioritised for the Mobility First! open call:

1. The role and value of artists/arts in a time of crisis Activities that raise awareness of the significance and contribution of artists & the arts in bringing people together and nurturing positive social change in times of uncertainty
2. The arts in crisis Activities that respond to challenges in the arts in the time of Covid-19, particularly the loss of livelihood of many artists & cultural practitioners, disruption of traditional business models of arts organisations, unequal opportunities, and the current debates on the arts as ‘non-essential’ services in a crisis
3. International cultural collaborations in the new normal Activities that inspire new and innovative approaches to international collaborations in the time of physical distancing and restricted mobility. International collaborations that involve cross-sectional themes between arts/culture and sustainability & climate change, technology, economy, public health etc. are welcome
4. Art and well-being Activities contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection between art and mental health. Activities that demonstrate improving health and well-being through the arts

Note: The activity which you are intending to collaborate on does not need to tackle all four focus areas.