Call for Proposals: Fast Forward Grant Program (Switzerland)

The Fast Forward Grant Program supports mid-career music professionals in Switzerland who are seeking to expand their international careers. The programme provides CHF 25,000 per year, along with mentoring, business development opportunities, and financial support for management, digital content production, and musicians’ fees.

What is the Fast Forward Grant Program?

The Fast Forward Grant Program is a professional development initiative that helps established music professionals strengthen their international presence through funding, mentoring, and business support.

The programme is designed for artists who have already built a successful career in Switzerland and are ready to expand internationally. In addition to financial assistance, participants receive expert mentoring and participate in business development activities that enhance their long-term career growth.

Program Overview

• Programme Name: Fast Forward Grant Program
• Programme Type: Professional development grant for musicians
• Funding Amount: CHF 25,000 per year
• Eligible Applicants: Mid-career music professionals, individual artists, and small groups
• Country Focus: Switzerland
• Primary Objective: Support international career development for established musicians

Funding Amount

Selected applicants receive funding of CHF 25,000 per year, which includes:

• Up to CHF 5,000 for mentoring.
• Up to CHF 10,000 for musicians’ fees.
• Support for management costs.
• Funding for digital and visual content production or similar promotional materials.
• Participation in professional business development activities.

The programme combines financial support with career-building opportunities.

Programme Objectives

The Fast Forward Grant Program aims to:

• Strengthen international music careers.
• Support sustainable professional growth.
• Improve artists’ international visibility.
• Enhance management and business capacity.
• Promote artistic development.
• Support professional networking.
• Increase global market opportunities for Swiss musicians.

The programme encourages long-term career planning and international collaboration.

Professional Development Support

In addition to funding, selected participants receive:

• Individual mentoring from experienced professionals.
• A contribution toward management costs.
• Two business labs focused on career development.
• Support for producing digital and visual promotional content.

These activities are designed to help artists build stronger international careers and expand their professional networks.

Eligible Music Genres

Applications are accepted from artists working in:

• Pop
• Rock
• Jazz
• Electronic music
• Experimental music
• Global sounds
• Hip-hop

The programme supports a diverse range of contemporary music practices.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a mid-career music professional.
• Apply as an individual artist or a small music group.
• Be established within Switzerland’s contemporary music scene.
• Maintain a regular presence across Switzerland’s different language regions.
• Have performed at international festivals or professional event venues.
• Create original musical works with a clearly defined artistic profile.
• Have professional booking representation.
• Have professional management in place.
• Have international recorded music distribution.

Applicants should demonstrate an established career and readiness for further international expansion.

Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Have a clear connection to Switzerland.
• Be of nationwide importance.
• Receive adequate co-funding from public or private sources.
• Respect and guarantee fair working conditions.
• Clearly contribute to international career development.

Applications should demonstrate how the proposed activities will strengthen the applicant’s professional trajectory.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A statement explaining their motivation.
• A description of three objectives they aim to achieve through the programme.
• A detailed activity plan.
• Estimated project expenditure.
• An artistic CV.
• Links to audio recordings.
• Links to video performances.
• Names of potential mentors.

Complete and well-prepared application materials are essential for evaluation.

Language Requirements

Applications should preferably be submitted in:

• English

If English is not possible, applications may also be submitted in:

• German
• French
• Italian

Applicants should ensure all documents are clear, complete, and professionally prepared.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Competitive applications generally demonstrate:

• A well-established artistic career.
• Clear international ambitions.
• Strong artistic identity.
• Professional industry infrastructure.
• Realistic development objectives.
• Well-planned activities.
• Clear financial planning.
• Strong portfolio of previous work.
• Commitment to fair working conditions.

Applications that present a convincing strategy for international growth are particularly competitive.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare your application.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Ensure you meet the programme’s requirements regarding career stage, professional experience, and international activity.

Step 2: Define Your Objectives

Identify the three key goals you wish to achieve through the Fast Forward Grant Program.

Step 3: Develop Your Activity Plan

Describe the activities you will undertake, including:

• International career development.
• Content production.
• Business development.
• Mentoring.
• Management activities.

Step 4: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Compile:

• Artistic CV.
• Audio links.
• Video links.
• Budget.
• Mentor suggestions.
• Motivation statement.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Submit all required documents in English or another accepted language before the application deadline.

Why This Programme Matters

Building an international music career requires more than artistic talent.

The Fast Forward Grant Program helps musicians:

• Expand international audiences.
• Strengthen professional management.
• Improve business skills.
• Access experienced mentors.
• Create high-quality promotional content.
• Develop sustainable careers.
• Build long-term international partnerships.

The programme supports both artistic excellence and professional growth.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

• Setting vague career objectives.
• Submitting incomplete portfolios.
• Providing unrealistic budgets.
• Failing to demonstrate international experience.
• Not explaining the importance of mentoring.
• Omitting professional management information.
• Ignoring the requirement for fair working conditions.

Well-structured applications with clear career strategies are more likely to succeed.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

To improve your application:

• Clearly explain your international career goals.
• Present a strong artistic identity.
• Demonstrate previous international achievements.
• Select mentors who align with your development needs.
• Include high-quality audio and video materials.
• Prepare a realistic budget and activity plan.
• Show how the programme will create lasting professional impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Fast Forward Grant Program?

Mid-career music professionals, including individual artists and small groups established within Switzerland’s contemporary music scene, are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Selected applicants receive CHF 25,000 per year, including up to CHF 5,000 for mentoring and up to CHF 10,000 for musicians’ fees.

Which music genres are supported?

The programme supports artists working in pop, rock, jazz, electronic, experimental, global sounds, and hip-hop.

What additional support is provided besides funding?

Participants receive mentoring, management support, business lab participation, and assistance with producing digital and visual promotional content.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a motivation statement, three programme objectives, an activity plan, budget, artistic CV, audio and video links, and the names of potential mentors.

What languages are accepted for applications?

Applications should be submitted in English whenever possible. If necessary, applications may also be submitted in German, French, or Italian.

What makes a competitive application?

Strong applications demonstrate an established artistic career, international experience, a clear artistic profile, realistic objectives, professional management structures, and a well-developed strategy for expanding internationally.

Conclusion

The Fast Forward Grant Program provides an outstanding opportunity for mid-career music professionals in Switzerland to strengthen their international careers through CHF 25,000 in annual funding, mentoring, business development, and professional support. By combining financial assistance with strategic career development, the programme helps established artists expand their global presence, enhance their professional networks, and build sustainable long-term careers in the international music industry.