Pro Helvetia’s Creation and Production Program for Contemporary Music provides up to CHF 25,000 to support nationally established Swiss music professionals and ensembles working in contemporary music, music theatre, sound art, and contemporary folk music. The programme funds artistically relevant projects with national and international reach, strong co-funding, fair working conditions, and clear Swiss relevance, with applications due by 1 March.
Programme Overview
The Creation and Production Program for Contemporary Music is a funding initiative by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, aimed at strengthening professional contemporary music production in Switzerland.
The programme supports high-quality artistic projects that contribute to diversity, national visibility, and international presence within Switzerland’s contemporary music ecosystem.
It is designed for established professionals and ensembles whose work demonstrates sustained excellence, nationwide relevance, and strong professional standing.
Purpose and Objectives
The programme seeks to:
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Support the creation and production of contemporary Swiss music
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Strengthen national and international visibility of Swiss artists
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Promote diversity, sustainability, and fair working conditions
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Encourage long-term artistic development and cultural exchange
Fields and Genres Covered
Eligible projects may fall within the following areas:
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Contemporary music
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Music theatre
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Sound art
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Contemporary folk music
Projects must demonstrate artistic independence and relevance within these fields.
Funding Amount and Financial Scope
The level of financial support depends on the overall project scale, including:
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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 sources.
Projects Not Eligible for Funding
Applications will not be considered if:
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The same project component is already funded 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 requested for infrastructure or operating costs
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The project can proceed without financial support from Pro Helvetia
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Travel is planned to regions advised against by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs at the time of application
Submitting the same application simultaneously to other Pro Helvetia funding measures for pop, jazz, global, or contemporary music is not permitted.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The programme is intended for:
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Nationally established Swiss music professionals
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Professional ensembles based in Switzerland
Applicants must be recognised nationwide through regular performances at renowned venues in Switzerland and abroad.
Connection to Switzerland
A project is considered connected to Switzerland if:
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It is developed or implemented by artists with Swiss citizenship or permanent residency who are regularly active in Switzerland
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It is carried out by independent groups or cultural institutions whose place of production is in Switzerland and who are publicly active nationwide
What Counts as Nationwide Relevance?
Nationwide importance may be demonstrated when:
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Artists are regularly programmed by nationally recognised institutions in other Swiss regions or abroad
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An emerging practitioner shows exceptional artistic potential for a national or international career
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The project significantly contributes to the development and dissemination of Swiss contemporary music
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The project fosters exchange between Switzerland’s linguistic regions
Key Eligibility Requirements
Eligible projects must:
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Have a clear Swiss connection
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Demonstrate nationwide relevance
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Be adequately co-funded by public or private sources
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Guarantee fair working conditions and appropriate fees
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Comply with professional standards of implementation
How Projects Are Assessed
Applications are evaluated based on:
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Artistic relevance and quality
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Independence and originality
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Professional competence of the artists involved
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Social and thematic relevance
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Feasibility and professional project implementation
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Proportionality of costs relative to expected impact
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Potential for lasting artistic or cultural impact
Additional importance is placed on:
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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
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Fair remuneration for music professionals
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Confirmed co-funding from other sources
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A clear national and international promotion strategy, including venues and performance dates
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted fully and on time 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 all individuals involved
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A creation and production schedule
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Confirmed performance dates and venues
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A detailed budget, including social security contributions
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A comprehensive financing plan with confirmed or planned co-funding
Incomplete or late applications are not considered.
Timeline and Important Dates
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Application deadline: 1 March at 23:59 CET
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Funding decisions communicated: within four months
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Earliest possible project start dates: 1 July or 1 January
Projects may not begin before these start dates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying for projects without nationwide relevance
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Requesting funding for infrastructure or operating costs
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Submitting projects without confirmed or realistic co-funding
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Overlooking fair fee structures and social security contributions
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Applying simultaneously to multiple Pro Helvetia music funding schemes
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Planning project activities before the eligible start date
Why This Programme Matters
The Creation and Production Program for Contemporary Music plays a vital role in sustaining Switzerland’s contemporary music landscape.
By supporting artistically ambitious, professionally implemented projects with national and international reach, Pro Helvetia strengthens cultural diversity, cross-regional exchange, and the global presence of Swiss music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum funding amount available?
The maximum grant amount is CHF 25,000, depending on project size, fees, and production costs.
Can emerging artists apply?
The programme targets nationally established professionals, but emerging artists may be eligible if their artistic potential is exceptional at a national or international level.
Is co-funding required?
Yes. Projects must be adequately co-funded by other public or private sources.
Are travel costs eligible?
Travel may be included if it is essential to the project, except for travel to regions advised against by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
Can educational or academic projects apply?
No. Projects that are part of school, university, or training programmes are not eligible.
When will applicants receive a decision?
Decisions are communicated within four months after the application deadline.
When can funded projects start?
Projects may start no earlier than 1 July or 1 January, depending on the funding cycle.
Conclusion
Pro Helvetia’s Creation and Production Program for Contemporary Music offers targeted financial support for high-quality Swiss contemporary music projects with national significance and international ambition.
With its emphasis on artistic excellence, fair practice, sustainability, and diversity, the programme is a key funding opportunity for established Swiss music professionals seeking to expand their creative and cultural impact.
For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.