Research trip to Switzerland

PRO HELVETIA Swiss Arts Council

What

Two- to four-week research trip to one or more regions in Switzerland

For Whom

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 – see below for a full list of countries) who are active in any of the disciplines supported by Pro Helvetia. You can find a full list of countries below. Applications from both individuals and artist duos are accepted.

Selection Criteria

Permanent residence in one of the regions of the liaison offices 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 concrete research topic 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
For environmental reasons, applicants are requested to consider a travel duration of at least two weeks.

Financial Contribution

Accommodation
Travel costs
Daily allowances
Coach: a cultural professional from the local artistic field, facilitating networking and exchange
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.

Content Of Application

Title and brief description of the proposal
Motivation explaining the professional interest and artistic research in the selected destination
Desired length of stay and destination
CV and portfolio

All applications must be submitted in English.

Format-specific Exclusion Criteria

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.

Application Deadlines and Decision Timelines

Submission deadlineOpen year-roundNotification of decisionEight weeks after submitting the applicationEarliest start date for the projectThree months after application

Additional Information

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