KONNECT ASEAN was the ASEAN Foundation’s flagship arts and culture programme, supported by the Republic of Korea through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund. Running from 2020 to 2023, the programme marked ASEAN’s exciting return to the contemporary art scene—bringing together artists, communities, and institutions to explore what it means to be part of ASEAN through art.

From exhibitions and artist residencies to community workshops and thought-provoking talks, KONNECT ASEAN created meaningful spaces for dialogue around culture, identity, and shared challenges in the region. It celebrated the power of visual arts to spark conversation on issues like climate change, inclusion, and regional harmony.

KONNECT ASEAN also aligned with key regional goals—supporting the ASEAN Strategic Plan for Culture and Arts 2016-2025 and the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Plan of Action. It was more than a series of events—it was a movement that helped build stronger people-to-people connections and highlighted the role of art in shaping a more united ASEAN.

By the time the programme wrapped up, KONNECT ASEAN had reached over 141,000 visitors, empowered more than 300 artists from across ASEAN and Korea, and delivered standout initiatives like the ASEAN Sculpture Garden Project, Chiang Mai Residency Exhibition, Fresh Take writing contests, Virtual360 Konnect, and the Climate Futures seminar. Its legacy lives on through beautifully printed works like August Gathering, now on display at the ASEAN Gallery.