Residency in Switzerland

Pro Helvetia starts with the annual open call for residencies. Residencies are at the heart of their work, and provide the opportunity for artists from the region and Switzerland to spend substantial time living and working in a vastly different daily context. This rich immersive experience offers possibilities for new work, new collaborations and new projects to organically emerge from the fundamental basis of any significant artistic endeavour: the right amount of time and space.

Up to three-month residencies at a partner institution in Switzerland

Artists and cultural practitioners from the regions of the liaison offices (Arab region, East Asia, South America, South Asia and Vietnam, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa) who are active in any of the disciplines supported by Pro Helvetia. Applications from both individuals and artist duos are accepted.

• Permanent residence in one of the regions of the liaison office and active participation in the respective cultural scene
• Comprehensive portfolio and proven track record of professional activity in the applicant’s field
• Strong professional interest in the selected destination, connected to the applicant’s artistic practice, and in networking with the local cultural field
• A proposal for an artistic project or research idea that can deepen the exchange between the cultural scenes of Switzerland and the applicant’s country of residence
• Knowledge of English or one of the Swiss languages to ensure smooth and effective communication
• Accommodation
• Daily allowances
• Coach: a cultural professional from the local artistic field, facilitating networking and exchange
• Workstation (on request)
• Contribution towards production/material costs (on request)
• In addition, artists and cultural practitioners with childcare responsibilities can apply for financial support of up to CHF 1,000 per month as a contribution to childcare or for the travel expenses of their children and, if necessary, a carer. This also applies if the child/children stay at home and are cared for. Applicants must present a budget of all expenses in advance.

• Title and brief description of the proposal
• Motivation explaining the professional interest in the selected destination
• Desired length of stay and chosen destination
• CV and portfolio
• All applications must be submitted in English.

• Artists and cultural practitioners from countries outside the Pro Helvetia liaison offices’ area of responsibility may not apply.
• Pro Helvetia is unable to consider funding requests if the applicant is enrolled in a school, university curriculum, basic training, or education programme.

Applications can be submitted from 1 January

Submission deadline 1 March

Notification of decision:
Within four months

Earliest start date for the project:
The following year

Pro Helvetia assumes no responsibility for the approval of visa applications from artists, accompanying children, partners, family members or caregivers.