Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The New Production Grant Program supports the creation of new independent performing arts productions by companies and individual artists connected to Switzerland. The program provides funding for innovative stage productions, including digital and hybrid formats, that have national significance and demonstrate strong artistic quality, professional working conditions, and sustainable financing.
Applicants must secure confirmed performance venues, provide fair compensation for all participants, and demonstrate co-financing from public or private funding sources.
Overview of the New Production Grant Program
The New Production Grant Program is designed to support the development and realization of new works in the independent performing arts sector.
The funding focuses on:
- New theatre, dance, performance, and other independent performing arts productions.
- Digital and hybrid performance formats.
- Projects with national importance in Switzerland.
- Professional artistic collaborations.
- Sustainable production models.
The program aims to strengthen independent performing arts by helping artists and companies create ambitious productions with professional standards and broad public access.
Purpose of the Funding Program
The grant program supports independent artists and performing arts companies by helping them overcome financial barriers associated with creating new productions.
Funding aims to encourage:
- Artistic innovation.
- High-quality independent productions.
- Professional employment conditions.
- Collaboration between artists and venues.
- National visibility for Swiss performing arts projects.
- Sustainable cultural development.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to:
- Independent performing arts companies.
- Independent performing artists.
Applicants must demonstrate a clear connection to Switzerland.
Eligible applicants should have:
- A professional artistic practice.
- A strong project concept.
- Experience in independent performing arts production.
- The ability to manage production and financial requirements.
Project Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding, projects must meet several requirements.
Eligible productions must:
- Be new productions.
- Include digital or hybrid formats where relevant.
- Have national importance.
- Receive adequate co-financing.
- Provide fair working conditions.
- Include confirmed performance venues.
- Meet professional payment standards.
Venue Requirements
Applicants must secure at least two confirmed venues before applying.
The venue requirements include:
- At least one premiere venue.
- At least one additional venue located in Switzerland.
- Venues must pay appropriate performance fees.
- Written venue confirmations must be included in the application.
Venue confirmation documents should specify:
- Performance dates.
- Venue locations.
- Agreed fees.
- Additional support or services.
- Co-production contributions, if applicable.
Fair Working Conditions and Artist Compensation
The program requires all participants to receive fair remuneration.
Applicants must ensure:
- All artists and project participants are paid appropriately.
- Compensation follows recommendations from relevant professional associations.
- Working conditions meet professional standards.
Fair employment practices are a key requirement for successful applications.
Co-Financing Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate financial support from additional sources.
Projects should receive appropriate co-financing from:
- Municipal funding organizations.
- Cantonal funding organizations.
- Public cultural funds.
- Private funding sources.
Applicants must also provide information about other funding requests submitted to additional organizations.
Supported Production Formats
The program supports various forms of independent performing arts production, including:
- Traditional stage productions.
- Contemporary performance projects.
- Digital performances.
- Hybrid productions combining physical and digital formats.
- Interdisciplinary performing arts projects.
Projects should demonstrate artistic relevance and professional production planning.
How to Apply
Applicants must prepare a complete application package containing detailed project and financial information.
Step 1: Develop the Production Concept
Applicants should prepare a clear description of:
- Artistic vision.
- Production concept.
- Creative approach.
- Implementation strategy.
- Expected cultural impact.
The project description should explain what makes the production significant and how it will be realized.
Step 2: Provide Information About the Creative Team
Applications must include details about:
- Artists involved.
- Production team members.
- Collaborators.
- Professional roles and responsibilities.
Applicants should clearly describe the contribution of each participant.
Step 3: Submit Venue Confirmations
Applicants must include written confirmations from all confirmed venues.
Each confirmation should include:
- Venue name.
- Performance dates.
- Performance location.
- Agreed fees.
- Additional services.
- Co-production arrangements, if applicable.
Step 4: Prepare a Production Budget
Applicants must submit a detailed budget covering:
- Production costs.
- Costs related to the first performance series.
The budget should focus only on eligible production expenses.
Step 5: Provide a Financial Plan
The financial plan should include:
- Requested grant amount.
- Confirmed funding sources.
- Pending funding applications.
- Public and private contributions.
- Co-financing details.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Project description.
- Production concept and implementation plan.
- List of participating individuals.
- Venue confirmation letters.
- Performance schedules.
- Fee agreements.
- Detailed production budget.
- Financial plan.
- Information about other funding applications.
What Makes a Strong Application?
A competitive application should demonstrate:
- A clear artistic concept.
- National relevance.
- Professional production planning.
- Confirmed performance opportunities.
- Strong financial planning.
- Fair compensation practices.
- Sustainable partnerships.
Successful projects clearly show how the production contributes to the independent performing arts landscape in Switzerland.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting projects without confirmed venues.
- Failing to provide written venue agreements.
- Underestimating production costs.
- Excluding co-financing information.
- Providing unclear artistic concepts.
- Budgeting only for creation without considering the first performance series.
- Offering compensation below professional standards.
Why This Grant Program Matters
Independent performing artists and companies often face financial challenges when developing new productions.
The New Production Grant Program helps address these challenges by:
- Supporting artistic creation.
- Encouraging professional working conditions.
- Expanding opportunities for independent artists.
- Strengthening Switzerland’s performing arts ecosystem.
- Promoting innovative production models.
The program contributes to a more sustainable and diverse independent cultural sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the New Production Grant Program?
The New Production Grant Program provides financial support for independent performing arts companies and artists creating new productions connected to Switzerland.
Who can apply for the grant?
Independent performing arts companies and independent performing artists with a clear connection to Switzerland can apply.
What types of productions are supported?
The program supports new performing arts productions, including digital and hybrid productions, that demonstrate national importance and professional standards.
Are confirmed venues required before applying?
Yes. Applicants must have at least two confirmed venues, including one premiere venue and at least one venue in Switzerland.
Do projects need additional funding sources?
Yes. Projects must demonstrate adequate co-financing from public or private funding sources.
How should artists and participants be paid?
All participants must receive fair compensation according to recommendations from relevant professional associations.
What documents are required with the application?
Applications must include a project description, team information, venue confirmations, production budget, and financial plan showing other funding sources and requests.
Conclusion
The New Production Grant Program provides important support for independent performing arts companies and artists creating new productions in Switzerland. By funding professionally planned projects with strong artistic concepts, confirmed venues, fair working conditions, and sustainable financing, the program helps strengthen the independent performing arts sector.
Artists and companies seeking support should focus on developing clear production plans, securing venue partnerships, preparing accurate budgets, and demonstrating the national cultural importance of their projects.
For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.