The Swiss Cultural Fund in United Kingdom

The Swiss Cultural Fund UK provides grants up to £3,000 for Swiss artists to present their work in the United Kingdom. The program fosters intercultural exchange, supports professional artistic projects, and encourages collaborations with UK cultural organizations.

Program Overview

The Swiss Cultural Fund UK aims to promote Swiss cultural expression and dialogue internationally. It supports both emerging and established Swiss artists, enabling them to showcase their work to UK audiences while fostering intercultural exchange.

Key objectives include:

• Promoting Swiss cultural expression in the UK

• Supporting professional artistic practice

• Encouraging collaborations with recognized UK cultural institutions

• Enhancing the visibility and professional development of Swiss artists

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Swiss nationals or artists who have lived continuously in Switzerland for at least five years

• Cultural venues or institutions in the UK presenting Swiss artists, provided funding allocation is clear

Requirements:

• Proven artistic track record

• Professional projects only (student bursaries or research & development phases are not eligible)

• Collaboration with a well-established not-for-profit cultural organization or venue in the UK

Grant Details

• Grant Amount: Up to £3,000 per project

• Use of Funds: Production phase of projects, including events, exhibitions, performances, or related public-facing activities

• Limitations: Each project can only receive support once; research and development costs are not eligible

How to Apply

1. Prepare Application Materials:

   • Project description and artistic vision

   • Realistic budget

   • Professional CVs of participating artists

   • Supporting materials demonstrating public value and feasibility

2. Collaborate with UK Venue: Ensure a clear plan and partnership agreement with the UK cultural institution or venue

3. Submit Application:

   • Complete application in English

   • Submit well in advance of the project start date

   • Ensure compliance with page limits and submission guidelines

4. Selection Process:

   • Applications are assessed on artistic quality, innovation, accessibility, sustainability, and social inclusivity

   • Priority given to projects that build UK partnerships, engage local communities, and contribute to the professional development of Swiss artists

Tips for a Strong Application

• Highlight UK collaboration and community engagement

• Demonstrate clear public value and audience impact

• Present a realistic budget and professional planning

• Focus on innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity

• Ensure applications are complete and concise

FAQ

1. Who can apply? Swiss nationals or artists with five+ years of residency in Switzerland, and UK cultural institutions presenting Swiss artists
2. What type of projects are supported? Professional artistic production projects; research and development phases are not eligible
3. How much funding is available? Up to £3,000 per project
4. Can a project receive funding more than once? No, each project can only receive support once
5. Is collaboration with a UK venue required? Yes, all projects must work with a recognized not-for-profit UK cultural institution or venue
6. Are student or academic projects eligible? No, only professional artistic practice is supported
7. What are the selection criteria? Artistic quality, innovation, accessibility, sustainability, social inclusivity, and UK partnership engagement

Why It Matters

The Swiss Cultural Fund UK enables Swiss artists to expand their international reach, strengthens cultural ties between Switzerland and the UK, and promotes meaningful community engagement through art. By supporting professional projects in collaboration with UK institutions, the fund contributes to sustainable artistic development and intercultural dialogue.