Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
Pro Helvetia is inviting applications for its Performing Arts Research Grant to support independent performing arts companies and artists in Switzerland. The grant provides up to CHF 10,000 for artistic or thematic research, experimentation, and professional skill development without requiring the production of a final artistic work.
Pro Helvetia Performing Arts Research Grant for Swiss Artists
Pro Helvetia is accepting applications to support artistic and thematic research projects for independent performing arts companies and artists in Switzerland. The programme enables experienced artists to explore new ideas, experiment with creative approaches, and strengthen their artistic practice without the pressure of producing a finished performance.
The grant supports professional contemporary Swiss performing arts by encouraging innovation, artistic exploration, and international cultural exchange while promoting fair working conditions across the cultural sector.
About the Grant Programme
The Performing Arts Research Grant is designed for established independent performing arts professionals who wish to dedicate time to research, experimentation, and artistic development.
Unlike production grants, this funding allows artists to investigate new concepts, explore different creative formats, acquire new skills, and deepen thematic research without being required to create a final production.
As Switzerland’s national foundation for culture, Pro Helvetia supports projects that have national significance or international relevance and complement the cultural funding provided by Swiss cantons and municipalities.
Funding Information
Eligible applicants can receive up to CHF 10,000.
Funding features include:
- Maximum grant of CHF 10,000
- Supports artistic and thematic research
- Covers all research-related project expenses
- No requirement to produce a final artistic work
- Supports independent performing arts artists and companies
Programme Focus Areas
The grant supports projects related to:
- Contemporary performing arts
- Artistic research
- Thematic research
- Creative experimentation
- Professional artistic development
- New artistic methodologies
- Innovation in performing arts
- Skill development
- Cross-regional cultural exchange
- International cultural collaboration
- Contemporary Swiss culture
- Diversity in artistic practice
Grant Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support professional contemporary Swiss performing arts.
- Encourage artistic experimentation and innovation.
- Enable artists to research new themes and concepts.
- Promote creative exploration without production pressure.
- Strengthen artistic skills and professional development.
- Foster collaboration across Switzerland’s linguistic regions.
- Increase the international visibility of Swiss performing arts.
- Encourage cultural exchange nationally and internationally.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Independent performing arts companies based in Switzerland
- Independent performing artists with a strong connection to Switzerland
- Established artists active nationally and/or internationally
- Companies and artists that regularly receive guest performance grants from Pro Helvetia’s Performing Arts division
Project Eligibility Requirements
Projects must:
- Have a clear connection to Switzerland.
- Be of national importance.
- Focus on artistic or thematic research.
- Explore new artistic formats or creative methods.
- Demonstrate professional artistic quality.
- Receive appropriate public or private co-funding.
- Guarantee fair working conditions for everyone involved.
- Follow remuneration recommendations issued by relevant professional associations.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support activities such as:
- Artistic research
- Creative experimentation
- Thematic exploration
- Development of innovative performance concepts
- Research collaborations
- Workshops
- Skill development
- Methodological experimentation
- Cross-disciplinary artistic exploration
- International artistic exchange
Eligible Costs
The grant can cover research-related expenses, including:
- Artist fees
- Research materials
- Travel expenses
- Collaboration costs
- Workshop participation
- Professional development activities
- Other costs directly linked to the research project
Why This Grant Matters
Research is an essential stage of artistic development. Many innovative performing arts projects begin with experimentation rather than production.
This grant allows artists to:
- Test new ideas without production deadlines.
- Develop innovative artistic practices.
- Explore interdisciplinary approaches.
- Build professional skills.
- Strengthen international artistic networks.
- Create stronger foundations for future productions.
- Advance contemporary Swiss performing arts.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a complete application that clearly explains the proposed research project.
The application process generally includes:
- Review the official Pro Helvetia funding guidelines.
- Confirm eligibility as an independent performing arts artist or company.
- Develop a clear artistic or thematic research proposal.
- Demonstrate the project’s connection to Switzerland.
- Explain the research objectives and expected outcomes.
- Prepare a realistic project budget, including co-funding where applicable.
- Confirm compliance with fair working conditions and professional remuneration standards.
- Submit a complete application before the official deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain the artistic research question.
- Demonstrate professional experience and artistic excellence.
- Present a realistic research methodology.
- Highlight innovation and experimentation.
- Explain how the project contributes to Swiss performing arts.
- Include a feasible budget and timeline.
- Show the project’s national or international relevance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues:
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Failing to demonstrate a connection to Switzerland.
- Proposing projects focused solely on production rather than research.
- Providing insufficient evidence of professional artistic experience.
- Ignoring fair remuneration standards.
- Omitting information about co-funding where required.
- Presenting unclear research objectives or methodologies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who offers this grant?
The grant is offered by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council.
How much funding is available?
Eligible applicants can receive up to CHF 10,000.
Who can apply?
Independent performing arts companies and established performing artists with a strong connection to Switzerland are eligible.
Does the project need to produce a final performance?
No. The grant specifically supports research and experimentation without requiring a final artistic production.
What kinds of activities are supported?
The programme funds artistic research, thematic exploration, creative experimentation, skill development, and the investigation of new artistic formats.
Are co-funding and fair working conditions required?
Yes. Projects should include adequate public or private co-funding and guarantee fair working conditions, including appropriate remuneration.
Can incomplete applications be considered?
No. Only complete applications submitted within the required deadline will be considered.
Conclusion
The Pro Helvetia Performing Arts Research Grant provides valuable support for experienced independent performing artists and companies in Switzerland seeking to expand their creative practice through research and experimentation. By funding artistic exploration without production pressure, the programme encourages innovation, strengthens professional development, and contributes to the continued growth and international recognition of contemporary Swiss performing arts.
For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.