Mekong Cultural Hub

During 2024 and 2025, the members of the Art & Society Hubs Network Asia have been implementing a new mobility program, supporting fifteen artists from Vietnam, Myanmar and Taiwan to with travel grants to enable networking, exchange and creation within the Mekong Region and Taiwan. The program was designed on co-created principles and priorities, but was decentralised and heavily localised in its implementation.

Representatives from Heritage Art Space, AMCA (Association for Myanmar Contemporary Arts) and Trees, Music, Art will share case studies on their unique approaches to adapting the funds to their local contexts, and the partners will share reflections on lessons learnt from this first pilot program. The open discussion will focus on where we go from here; how can more practitioners and organisations connect and work together in order to increase the flow of locally organised cultural exchange around our region?

The world is connected and divided in countless ways. There are gaps in disciplines, workplaces, politics, economics, and culture and there are people who navigate between them.

In a culturally segmented society with worsening economic opportunities, the new millennium gave birth to the tribe of slashers who removed themselves to that “one single purpose” in order to navigate multiple landscapes and ways of the world – by force or picking, for survival to curiosity.

Since January 2025, the speakers for this session have been meeting monthly to explore two distinct points – first, practice as the bridge of different work and worlds, and second, the individual as the living bridge connecting the fractured. In this online presentation and discussion they will share their reflections on the challenges of the multi- and inter-disciplinarian and explore the possibilities of this tribe’s unique contribution towards building the “good” in this world.

Many people have shared how excited they are that this year’s Meeting Point is taking place in Laos, presenting the opportunity to discover the local arts scene.

In this session we will shine a spotlight on the vibrant and dedicated arts community in Vientiane, and showcase three annual arts programs taking place in the city. You will hear from the founders and organisers of Lao Art Week, Fang Mae Khong Festival and the Vientiane Performing Arts Festival, learning about the origins of their programs, the latest editions and how they engage with international artists. After the presentations we will have an open floor for discussion and exchange.

If you want to know more about what’s on in Vientiane – this session is for you!

Moderator

In the Mekong region, artists and cultural practitioners face increasing economic challenges due to fluctuating markets, limited access to resources, and the need for greater visibility. Ensuring long-term economic sustainability is critical as creative professionals strive to position their work within local, regional, and global markets. As they face an evolving landscape, how can they secure long-term economic sustainability? 

The speakers in this session have spent 9 months exchanging monthly to explore strategies for enhancing the value of creative work, promoting sustainable livelihoods through local, regional, and global markets. They have also reflected on the role of cross-border collaborations in driving economic empowerment for artists.

If you are curious to hear artists’ perspectives on growing the creative economy – don’t miss this session!