Festivals in ASEAN: Foundations of the Creative Economy is a major new study from the British Council, developed as part of the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy (ACE) initiative.
It provides the most comprehensive overview to date of festivals across all ASEAN Member States, mapping their role, impact, and future potential.
Drawing on new research, case studies, and insights from 80 festival organisers, the report shows how festivals are essential building blocks of the creative economy.
Key findings
The research highlights the vital role festivals play across ASEAN as drivers of the creative economy:
- Festivals are key to the creative infrastructure, supporting talent, innovation, and cultural exchange,
- Financial sustainability is a major challenge, with most festivals relying on short-term or mixed funding models,
- Skills gaps persist, particularly in digital, technical production, and business management,
- Digital innovation is growing across the region,
- Regional collaboration is increasing, with strong demand for partnerships and cross-border exchange, and
- Festivals remain highly resilient, powered by community engagement and committed organisers.
Opportunities for growth
The report identifies clear priorities to strengthen the sector:
- Invest in skills and capacity building for festival organisers and creative professionals,
- Expand digital capabilities to reach wider audiences and develop new models,
- Support cross-border collaboration within ASEAN and internationally,
- Develop more sustainable funding models, including public-private partnerships,
- Embed festivals in long-term creative economy strategies, and
- Festivals can play an even greater role in driving inclusive, sustainable growth across the region.