Pro Helvetia’s Creation and Production Program supports nationally established Swiss music professionals and bands working in pop, rock, jazz, electronic, experimental, global sounds, and hip-hop. The programme offers up to CHF 25,000 for high-quality projects with strong Swiss relevance, nationwide impact, co-funding, and fair working conditions, with applications due by 1 March.
Programme Overview
The Creation and Production Program by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, is designed to strengthen professional contemporary Swiss art and cultural production.
The programme supports ambitious music projects that demonstrate diversity, artistic quality, and both national and international reach, while contributing to the long-term development of Switzerland’s music ecosystem.
Purpose and Objectives
The programme aims to:
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Promote professional Swiss music production
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Strengthen nationwide and international visibility of Swiss artists
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Encourage diversity and sustainability in cultural production
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Support projects with lasting artistic and cultural impact
Music Genres and Fields Supported
This funding opportunity is intended for nationally established Swiss music professionals and bands active in:
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Pop
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Rock
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Jazz
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Electronic music
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Experimental music
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Global sounds
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Hip-hop
Projects must demonstrate artistic independence and professional standards within these genres.
Funding Amount and Financial Scope
The financial contribution is based on:
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Overall project size
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Artist and professional fees
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Creation and production costs
The maximum grant amount is CHF 25,000 per project.
Funding is provided as a contribution and must be complemented by other public or private funding sources.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
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Be nationally established music professionals or bands based in Switzerland
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Be recognised nationwide through regular performances at renowned venues in Switzerland and abroad
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Have previously received support from Pro Helvetia
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Work with professional partners such as labels, management, or booking agencies
What Defines a Connection to Switzerland?
A project is considered connected to Switzerland when:
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It is developed or implemented by Swiss citizens or permanent residents who are regularly artistically active in Switzerland
or
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It is carried out by independent groups or cultural institutions whose place of production is in Switzerland and who are regularly and publicly active in the country
What Counts as Nationwide Relevance?
Nationwide importance is demonstrated when one or more of the following apply:
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Artists regularly participate in programmes of nationally recognised institutions in Swiss regions other than their own or abroad
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The project has clear transregional or international appeal
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The project contributes significantly to the development and dissemination of Swiss artistic and cultural production
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The project supports exchange between Switzerland’s linguistic regions
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The project shows exceptional artistic potential with national or international reach
Key Project Requirements
Eligible projects must:
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Have a clear connection to Switzerland
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Be of nationwide importance
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Be adequately co-funded by public or private sources
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Respect and guarantee fair working conditions and appropriate fees
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Demonstrate professional planning and implementation
How Applications Are Assessed
Within the limits of available funds, Pro Helvetia prioritises projects that show:
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Artistic independence and originality
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High professional competence
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Social and thematic relevance
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Professional implementation and feasibility
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Costs proportionate to the expected impact
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Potential for lasting artistic or cultural impact
Additional evaluation criteria include:
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Commitment to diversity
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Ecologically responsible use of resources
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Sustainable planning of work and production
Projects and Costs Not Eligible for Funding
Funding requests are not considered if:
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The same project component is already supported by another federal body
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The project is part of a school, university, or formal training programme
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Funding is intended for infrastructure, equipment, or operating costs
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The project can proceed without Pro Helvetia funding
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The project requires travel to regions advised against by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs at the time of application
The same application may not be submitted simultaneously to:
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“Creation and Production: Pop, Jazz, Global”
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“Creation and Production: Contemporary Music”
How to Apply
Applications must be complete and submitted by the deadline through Pro Helvetia’s application system.
Required Application Documents
Each application must include:
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A detailed project description
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Information on the individuals involved and, where applicable, the label
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A schedule covering creation, production, and promotion
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A promotion and distribution concept for recorded music, if applicable
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A detailed budget
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A comprehensive financing plan showing co-funding
Incomplete or late applications are not considered.
Key Deadline and Decision Process
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Application deadline: 1 March
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Assessment method: Jury evaluation following Pro Helvetia’s general decision-making process
Funding decisions are communicated after the jury assessment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without nationwide relevance or professional recognition
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Requesting funding for infrastructure or operating expenses
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Submitting projects without confirmed or realistic co-funding
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Ignoring fair pay and working condition requirements
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Applying to multiple Pro Helvetia creation and production schemes at the same time
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Submitting incomplete documentation
Why This Programme Matters
The Creation and Production Program plays a central role in strengthening Switzerland’s contemporary music scene.
By supporting professionally structured projects with national significance and international ambition, Pro Helvetia helps Swiss music creators expand their reach, foster cultural exchange, and build sustainable careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum funding available under this programme?
The maximum grant amount is CHF 25,000 per project.
Can emerging artists apply?
The programme is intended for nationally established professionals. Emerging artists are only eligible if they already demonstrate exceptional national or international recognition.
Is co-funding mandatory?
Yes. Projects must be adequately co-funded by other public or private sources.
Are infrastructure or equipment costs eligible?
No. Funding for infrastructure, equipment, or operating costs is not permitted.
Can I apply if my project is part of an academic programme?
No. Projects linked to school, university, or training programmes are not eligible.
Can the same project be submitted to another Pro Helvetia music scheme?
No. The same application cannot be submitted simultaneously to other creation and production funding measures.
When is the application deadline?
All complete applications must be submitted by 1 March.
Conclusion
Pro Helvetia’s Creation and Production Program offers significant support for nationally established Swiss music professionals working across contemporary genres.
With its focus on artistic quality, nationwide relevance, diversity, sustainability, and fair practice, the programme is a key funding opportunity for Swiss artists seeking to expand their creative impact at home and internationally.
For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.