Local Gatherings 2025:Apply Now
The Local Gatherings program aims to expand the community of people engaged with the Meeting Point platform, and to give practitioners micro-grants to organise events in their local communities. So far through the previous Meeting Points, 38 gatherings have been organised, in 33 different towns and cities across 14 countries, reaching more than 600 community members.
We are now calling for proposals from people who want to host a gathering in 2025!
This year, a total of 9 people or groups will be selected to host a gathering, which can be in any format, and with any number of people – as long as it links to the 2025 Meeting Point theme – Building Bridges.
The gatherings will be going on in different places, but must all take place between September 26th and October 5th, 2025. By creating a network of multiple local gatherings happening in parallel, MCH aims to generate collective energy to feed into the Meeting Point and to create a sense of connection and solidarity between communities.
In order to facilitate more connection between local gathering hosts, their communities and the main Meeting Point program, MCH organizes a series of online exchanges for hosts in the months before their gatherings take place. These exchanges are guided by Local Gatherings Community Curator, Do Huu Chi (Vietnam), with support from the MCH team.
After completing their events, the 9 selected gathering hosts will attend the in-person Meeting Point in Vientiane, where they will give a creative presentation to the other delegates about learnings and outcomes from their gatherings. The Community Curator, Mr Chi, will support and guide the hosts to prepare for this sharing.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Open call (Deadline: March 2nd 2025)
- Full Program description
- Application form : Download
- Q&A session : 13th February 2025
- Link to register for Q&A
Key Information:
- MCH is now seeking people to host a Local Gathering in their local community under the theme of “Building Bridges” as part of Meeting Point 2025 and participate in the in-person program in Vientiane, Laos (October 16–18, 2025)
- Artists, producers and community organizers in Asia interested are all encouraged to apply – we are looking for people with a commitment to art and social action
- Micro-grants of $500, $1,000 or $1,500 USD are available to support hosts to organise the gatherings
- Hosts will get the chance to expand their networks and learn from peers via the online exchange program
- MCH will cover all costs for one representative per gathering to attend the Meeting Point in-person Vientiane in October 2025.
- Hosts must be a citizen of an Asian country
- Hosts must commit to be available for all program dates
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline:
- March 2, 2025 ( 23:59 ICT time)
- Q&A Session:
- Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Time: 5 PM ICT (Bangkok time)
- Program Schedule:
- Virtual exchange sessions: May 15, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, 2025
- In-person exchange workshop in Vientiane: October 15, 2025
- Meeting Point program in Vientiane: October 16–18, 2025
- Local Gatherings Timeline:
- Must be held between September 26 and October 5, 2025.
How to Apply
- Download and complete the application form available Here.
- Submit your application by March 2, 2025 to meetingpoint@mekongculturalhub.org
Q&A about the Application Process
- A virtual Q&A session will be held to provide clarity on the program and application process on 13th February 2025, 5pm ICT time.
- You can register to join Q&A session through the link HERE.
- If you have further questions, email meetingpoint@mekongculturalhub.org
About the Curator
Do Huu Chi is a Vietnamese artist, writer and facilitator based in Ho Chi Minh City. He has a Bachelor degree in Architecture and MFA in Sequential Art. His work ranges widely from book making to house design to connecting people through creative workshops. Recently, he also began to perform and help building a small community for stand-up comedy, one of the first playgrounds for this art form in Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
On February 13th, we held an Q&A session on zoom, where people joined and asked questions to MCH and the curator, Mr Chi, about the program, the application process and the selection. The questions and answers that were shared during the session are listed below:
Who are eligible to apply for Local Gatherings 2025?
The program is open to citizens of any Asian country. If you are from an Asian country, you are eligible to apply. Both individuals and groups (such as partnerships, collectives, or organizations) can apply. You do not need to be formally registered. The previous local gatherings hosts are also eligible to apply.
Can I submit more than one application?
Yes, you can submit multiple applications if you have different ideas, but only one proposal will be selected per applicant.
Are there any restrictions on the age of participants in the gathering?
No, there are no age restrictions. You can work with any age group, but if you plan to involve young participants, we expect you to have appropriate child protection measures in place.
What language will the program be conducted in?
The main language for online sessions and the in-person Meeting Point event will be English. However, your Local Gathering can be conducted in your native language.
Can I propose a gathering related to a specific social cause?
Yes, as long as your proposal aligns with the theme of “Building Bridges” and demonstrates how it fosters connections within and across communities.
Can I find examples of past Local Gatherings?
Yes, past Local Gatherings are featured on the Mekong Cultural Hub website. You can check past Meeting Point events for inspiration and examples of previously supported gatherings. There are also some examples given in the Program Overview.
How are applications reviewed and selected?
The Mekong Cultural Hub (MCH) team will first longlist applications by checking eligibility and basic criteria. Then, the final selection will be made through a shortlisting and interview process with the Local Gatherings Community Curator (Do Huu Chi, Vietnam) and MCH program manager. The selection criteria are detailed in the Program Overview.
What is the selection focus—art-based gatherings or social action initiatives?
The program supports both art-based initiatives and social action projects. The goal is to have a diverse group of hosts working at the intersection of art and social action.
When are the finalist interviews scheduled?
Finalists will be interviewed on March 13–14, 2025 before the final selection is announced.
How do we share the outcomes of our gatherings?
Instead of submitting written reports, hosts will share their experiences at Meeting Point 2025 in Vientiane through creative formats, such as discussions, exhibitions, or multimedia presentations. The format will decide by all local hosts with the support of the Local Gatherings Community Curator during the online exchange sessions.
What is required during the online sessions?
The six online exchange sessions will provide space for learning, sharing, and connection-building between Local Gathering hosts. The sessions will be shaped based on the selected participants’ needs and interests.
How many participants should attend my Local Gathering?
There is no fixed number, but the gathering size should match the type of grant you apply for. Check the Open Call document for more details on grant categories.
What if I want to organize my Local Gathering in a different country?
We are open to receiving your proposal, but only if you have a deep, existing connection with the community in that country. The program is designed to support meaningful and sustainable relationships between hosts and their communities. Our first intention with the Local Gatherings program is to support small scale activities at a local level; this is reflected in the micro-grants that we provide. The international dimension is in linking the gathering organisers so they can share experience and amplify their work.
Do Local Gatherings need to be public events?
Not necessarily. If there are security concerns or specific reasons, you can propose a private gathering, but it must still be shared within the closed network of Local Gathering hosts and MCH through the online sessions.
When must the Local Gathering take place?
Local Gatherings must be held between September 26 – October 5, 2025 to align with the Meeting Point program. The idea is to create a collective energy of parallel gatherings across the region.
Can I organize my gathering earlier or later than the given dates?
No, Local Gatherings must take place within the specified timeframe to maintain the collective energy of the program.
What financial support is provided? If I apply as a group or collective, how many members can attend the in-person Meeting Point event?
Selected hosts will receive a grant of eithern $500 USD, $1,000 USD or$1,500 USD to organize their Local Gathering. Travel expenses (including visa, insurance, return flights within Asia, accommodation and meals/per diem) for one representative of each gathering are covered. Additional team members are welcome to join at their own expense.
What will happen during Meeting Point 2025?
Meeting Point 2025 will be a three-day event (October 16–18) featuring:
- Presentations from Local Gathering hosts
- Two Curated conferences sharing
- Interactive creative sessions
- A session by the Art & Society Hubs Network Asia
- Cultural tours and networking activities
Where can I get support in my local language?
If you are from Myanmar, Vietnam, Taiwan, Cambodia, or Laos, MCH has local partners who can help answer questions in your language. Association for Myanmar Contemporary Art (Myanmar), Heritage Art Space (Vietnam), Trees Music and Art (Taiwan), Cambodian Living Arts (CLA), and The XYZ art center (Laos).
Related Events
Partners & Supporters
This program is possible thanks to support of organisations and individuals including:
