Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, has officially announced a new cycle of residency programs designed to foster deep cultural ties and creative exchanges among global creators.
This initiative invites artists and cultural practitioners from around the globe to immerse themselves in Switzerland’s vibrant artistic landscape for a period of up to three months.
By providing a platform for both research and production, the program serves as a vital catalyst for international collaboration.
It aims to bridge geographic and cultural gaps, allowing global creators to explore new perspectives while engaging directly with the local Swiss arts scene.
This call is specifically directed at those who view their practice through a global lens, seeking to develop projects that benefit from the unique cultural context of Switzerland.
The residency is positioned not merely as a workspace, but as a dynamic environment for significant intellectual and artistic growth.
Funding and benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive support package that removes the primary financial barriers to international travel.
This typically includes the full coverage of travel expenses, health insurance, and accommodation for the duration of the artist’s stay in Switzerland.
To ensure that participants can focus entirely on their creative pursuits, the foundation also provides a daily allowance to cover living costs.
This financial stability is intended to allow participants to engage deeply with their research and the community without the pressure of outside employment.
Beyond monetary support, global creators accepted as residents are offered professional coaching and access to studio spaces tailored to their specific discipline.
These resources are designed to integrate the artist into the Swiss professional network, providing essential opportunities for future collaborations and public exhibitions.
Application requirement
The residency is open to professional artists working in a wide array of fields, including visual arts, music, literature, performing arts, and design.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate a strong professional trajectory and a clear, motivated reason for wanting to work specifically within the Swiss context.
Eligibility is generally limited to artists residing in regions where Pro Helvetia maintains active liaison offices, such as the Arab region, Southern Africa, South Asia, or South America.
This geographic focus ensures that the program reaches areas where cultural exchange can have the most profound and lasting impact.
Applicants are required to submit a detailed project proposal outlining their specific goals and methodology for the residency.
The selection committee prioritizes candidates with a “convincing track record” and projects that show high potential for meaningful engagement with Swiss culture.
Deadline
Applications are typically processed in annual cycles, with the primary deadline for residency submissions falling on March 1, 2026. Visit Pro Helvetia’s global creators grant call page to apply. Explore more global calls on our Opportunities page
Summary not available at this time.
