Feat.: Supporting Emerging Crossovers in Hip-Hop and Club Music (Switzerland)

Pro Helvetia’s Feat. funding opportunity supports first-time collaborations between artists from Switzerland’s hip-hop and club music scenes. The programme provides grants of up to CHF 10,000 to help DJs, beatmakers, rappers, and producers create and release collaborative music projects while encouraging artistic innovation and cross-disciplinary partnerships.

Pro Helvetia Feat. Opportunity

Feat. is a funding programme by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, designed to encourage new artistic collaborations within Switzerland’s hip-hop and club music community.

The programme supports artists who have never collaborated before and want to produce a joint music release. By providing financial assistance, Pro Helvetia aims to strengthen creative partnerships, promote artistic experimentation, and expand opportunities for contemporary music practitioners connected to Switzerland.

Program Overview

Program Name: Feat.

Organized By: Pro Helvetia (Swiss Arts Council)

Program Type: Arts and Music Grant

Funding Amount: Up to CHF 10,000

Eligible Location: Projects with a clear connection to Switzerland

Target Sector: Hip-hop and Club Music

Program Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Support first-time artistic collaborations.
• Encourage new creative partnerships in hip-hop and club music.
• Promote the production of joint music releases.
• Strengthen Switzerland’s contemporary music ecosystem.
• Foster innovation through collaboration.
• Support professional music production and artistic development.

Focus Areas

Eligible projects should focus on:

• First-time collaboration between artists.
• Joint music releases.
• Hip-hop music.
• Club music.
• DJ collaborations.
• Beatmaking.
• Music production.
• Rap and vocal performance.
• Contemporary music creation.

Funding Details

Selected projects may receive up to CHF 10,000.

The funding may be used for:

• Artist and professional fees.
• Studio rental expenses.
• Travel costs directly related to the project.

Applicants should prepare a realistic project budget that clearly explains how the grant will support successful implementation.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is intended for practitioners connected to Switzerland, including:

• DJs.
• Beatmakers.
• Rappers.
• Music producers.
• Artists working in the hip-hop scene.
• Artists working in the club music scene.

Projects must involve a first-time collaboration between participating artists.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must ensure that:

• The project represents a first collaboration between participating artists.
• The collaboration results in a joint music release.
• The project has a clear connection to Switzerland.
• The project is of nationwide cultural importance.
• The project receives adequate co-funding from public and/or private sources.
• Fair working conditions are respected throughout the project.
• The application is complete and submitted before the deadline.

Eligible Project Costs

Funding can support expenses such as:

• Professional artist fees.
• Studio hire and recording costs.
• Travel related to project production.
• Other eligible costs directly associated with delivering the collaborative release.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Collaboration plays an essential role in artistic innovation. The Feat. programme helps emerging and established musicians build new creative partnerships while encouraging experimentation across Switzerland’s hip-hop and club music communities.

By reducing financial barriers, the programme enables artists to produce high-quality collaborative work, expand their professional networks, and contribute to the development of Switzerland’s contemporary music landscape.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit an application:

1. Confirm that both artists are collaborating for the first time.
2. Develop a proposal for a joint music release.
3. Prepare a project budget, timeline, and supporting documents.
4. Demonstrate the project’s connection to Switzerland.
5. Show evidence of co-funding where applicable.
6. Complete the Pro Helvetia application form.
7. Submit the complete application before the official deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain why the collaboration is new and artistically significant.
• Present a compelling concept for the joint release.
• Include a realistic production schedule.
• Demonstrate the artistic value and national relevance of the project.
• Prepare a transparent and balanced budget.
• Show how the collaboration benefits both artists and audiences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Applying for a collaboration that is not the first between the artists.
• Submitting incomplete application documents.
• Providing an unclear project concept.
• Failing to demonstrate a connection to Switzerland.
• Omitting evidence of co-funding where required.
• Submitting applications after the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Pro Helvetia Feat. programme?

Feat. is a funding programme that supports first-time collaborations between artists from the hip-hop and club music scenes, leading to a joint music release.

How much funding is available?

Selected projects can receive up to CHF 10,000.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include DJs, beatmakers, rappers, producers, and other artists connected to Switzerland working in hip-hop or club music.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports first-time collaborative music projects that result in a joint release.

What expenses can the funding cover?

Funding may be used for artist fees, studio rental, travel costs, and other eligible project-related expenses.

What are the key eligibility requirements?

Projects must involve a first-time collaboration, have a clear connection to Switzerland, demonstrate nationwide relevance, include adequate co-funding, and ensure fair working conditions.

Why is this programme important?

The programme strengthens Switzerland’s contemporary music sector by encouraging new artistic partnerships, supporting innovative music production, and fostering collaboration within the hip-hop and club music communities.

Conclusion

The Pro Helvetia Feat. programme provides a valuable opportunity for artists in Switzerland’s hip-hop and club music scenes to launch first-time creative collaborations through professionally produced joint releases. With grants of up to CHF 10,000, the initiative supports artistic innovation, collaboration, and the continued growth of Switzerland’s contemporary music landscape.