Pro Helvetia’s Residency in Switzerland programme offers international artists and cultural practitioners a fully supported residency of up to three months at a Swiss partner institution. The programme provides accommodation, travel, daily allowances, professional coaching, and networking opportunities, with applications due by 1 March.
Programme Overview
The Residency in Switzerland programme, launched by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, enables international artists and cultural practitioners to undertake a residency of up to three months at a partner institution in Switzerland.
The programme is designed to foster artistic exchange, professional development, and long-term collaboration between Switzerland and selected international regions.
Purpose and Objectives
The residency aims to:
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Support artistic creation, research, and experimentation
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Strengthen international cultural exchange and collaboration
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Enable professional networking within the Swiss cultural scene
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Encourage long-term relationships between Swiss and international artists and institutions
What the Residency Offers
Selected residents receive comprehensive financial and professional support.
Financial and Practical Support
The residency includes:
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Accommodation in Switzerland for up to three months
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Travel costs to and from Switzerland
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Daily allowances to cover living expenses
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Access to a professional coach from the local cultural field
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Structured networking and exchange opportunities
Additional support available on request:
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A workstation at the host institution
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A contribution toward production or material costs
Childcare and Family Support
Artists and cultural practitioners with childcare responsibilities may apply for additional financial assistance.
Support of up to CHF 1,000 per month may be granted to contribute to:
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Childcare costs during the residency
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Travel expenses for children and, if required, a carer
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Care arrangements when children remain at home
A detailed budget must be submitted in advance to be considered for this support.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The residency is open to:
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Artists and cultural practitioners from regions covered by Pro Helvetia’s liaison offices
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Individual applicants and artist duos
Eligible Regions
Applicants must be permanently resident in one of the following regions:
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Arab region
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East Asia
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South America
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South Asia and Vietnam
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West Africa
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Central Africa
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East Africa
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Southern Africa
Applicants from countries outside these regions are not eligible.
Disciplines Covered
The programme is open to artists and cultural practitioners active in any discipline supported by Pro Helvetia.
Applicants must demonstrate professional engagement and relevance within their field.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
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Have permanent residence in an eligible region
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Be actively involved in the local cultural scene
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Demonstrate a proven professional track record
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Submit a strong portfolio of previous work
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Show a clear professional interest in the chosen Swiss destination
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Demonstrate knowledge of English or one of the Swiss national languages
Applicants are not eligible if they are enrolled in:
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A school or university curriculum
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Basic training or formal education programmes
Project and Research Proposal Requirements
Applicants must submit a proposal for an artistic project or research idea.
The proposal should:
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Align with the applicant’s artistic practice
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Demonstrate strong interest in the selected Swiss destination
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Contribute to exchange between the Swiss cultural scene and the applicant’s country of residence
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Support professional networking and collaboration goals
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in English and completed in full by the deadline.
Required Application Materials
Each application must include:
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A title and brief description of the proposed project or research idea
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A motivation statement explaining professional interest in the selected destination
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The preferred length of stay (up to three months)
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The chosen destination or host institution
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A curriculum vitae (CV)
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A comprehensive portfolio of artistic work
Incomplete applications are not considered.
Timeline and Important Dates
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Application deadline: 1 March at 23:59 CET
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Notification of results: Within four months of the deadline
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Earliest possible start date: The following year
Projects may not begin before official confirmation.
Visa and Travel Considerations
Pro Helvetia does not assume responsibility for:
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Visa approval processes
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Entry permits for artists or accompanying individuals
Applicants are responsible for ensuring compliance with Swiss visa and immigration requirements.
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are evaluated based on:
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Artistic quality and professional relevance
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Strength of the portfolio and track record
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Clarity and feasibility of the proposed project or research idea
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Relevance of the chosen Swiss destination
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Potential for meaningful exchange and long-term collaboration
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying from a country outside the eligible regions
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Submitting incomplete or non-English application materials
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Failing to demonstrate active engagement in the local cultural scene
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Submitting weak or unclear project proposals
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Applying while enrolled in formal education or training programmes
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Overlooking visa requirements and timelines
Why This Residency Matters
The Residency in Switzerland programme plays a critical role in strengthening international cultural dialogue.
By offering time, space, and professional support, Pro Helvetia enables artists to deepen their practice, expand networks, and create lasting connections between Switzerland and diverse global cultural scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the residency?
The residency lasts up to three months.
Is financial support fully covered?
Yes. Accommodation, travel, daily allowances, and professional support are provided, with additional costs covered upon request.
Can artists apply as a duo?
Yes. Applications are accepted from individuals and artist duos.
Are childcare costs supported?
Yes. Additional support of up to CHF 1,000 per month may be granted for childcare or related travel costs, subject to approval.
What language should applications be submitted in?
All application materials must be submitted in English.
Can students apply?
No. Applicants enrolled in school, university, or formal training programmes are not eligible.
When will selected residents start their projects?
The earliest possible start date is the year following the application deadline.
Conclusion
Pro Helvetia’s Residency in Switzerland offers a valuable opportunity for international artists and cultural practitioners to engage deeply with the Swiss cultural landscape.
With comprehensive financial support, professional coaching, and strong networking opportunities, the programme fosters meaningful artistic exchange and long-term international collaboration.
For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.