Request for Proposals: Monograph Grant Program (Switzerland)

The Monograph Grant Program supports the publication of high-quality monographs featuring established contemporary artists, photographers, and architects from Switzerland with cross-regional significance. Selected projects can receive up to CHF 20,000 toward production costs, provided the grant does not exceed 25% of the total project budget.

Overview of the Monograph Grant Program

The Monograph Grant Program provides financial support for publishing important artistic publications that document and showcase the work of established contemporary creators from Switzerland.

The programme focuses on high-quality monographs that contribute to the visibility and recognition of:

• Contemporary artists.
• Photographers.
• Architects.

The supported publications should have cross-regional importance and contribute to Switzerland’s cultural landscape.

Purpose of the Grant

The programme aims to:

• Support the production of significant artistic monographs.
• Promote contemporary Swiss artistic practices.
• Improve access to important cultural publications.
• Encourage documentation of established creative careers.
• Strengthen cultural exchange across Switzerland’s language regions.

Priority Areas

The programme gives priority to specific types of publication projects.

1. Monographs of Established Contemporary Creators

Priority is given to publications focusing on:

• Established contemporary artists.
• Professional photographers.
• Contemporary architects from Switzerland.

The featured creators should have:

• Recognised artistic achievements.
• National or cross-regional relevance.
• A significant contribution to contemporary culture.

2. Documentation of Artistic Practice

The programme prioritises monographs covering:

• Approximately 10 years of artistic practice.

These publications should provide a comprehensive overview of an artist’s development, achievements, and creative journey.

3. First Monographs

Preference is also given to:

• First major monographic publications.

These projects should introduce important contemporary creators to wider audiences.

4. Linguistic Accessibility Across Switzerland

Projects that improve accessibility across Switzerland’s language regions are encouraged.

Examples include:

• Translation of publication content.
• Multilingual editions.
• Book presentations in different language regions.
• Distribution strategies reaching diverse linguistic communities.

Funding Amount

Selected projects may receive:

Maximum grant: CHF 20,000

The grant supports:

• Publication production costs.
• Printing and production-related expenses.
• Other eligible costs connected with creating the monograph.

Funding Limitation

The grant amount:

• Must not exceed 25% of the total project budget.

Applicants must secure additional financial support from other sources.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Publishing houses.
• Editors.
• Artists.
• Photographers.
• Architects.

Applicants may apply individually or as publishing partners depending on the project structure.

Eligibility Criteria

Projects must meet the following requirements:

Connection to Switzerland

The publication must have:

• A clear connection to Switzerland.
• A focus on Swiss contemporary artistic practice.

National Importance

Projects should demonstrate:

• Nationwide relevance.
• Cross-regional cultural significance.

Co-Funding Requirement

Applicants must show:

• Adequate financial support from public or private sources.
• A realistic funding plan.

Fair Working Conditions

Projects must:

• Respect fair working conditions.
• Ensure appropriate compensation and professional standards for contributors.

Projects Not Supported

The programme does not fund the following:

Historical or Posthumous Projects

Not eligible:

• Projects focused on historical work.
• Publications about deceased artists, photographers, or architects.

Exhibition Publications

Not supported:

• Exhibition catalogues.

Publication Reproductions

Not supported:

• Reprints.
• Translations of existing publications.

Commemorative Publications

Not eligible:

• Anniversary publications.
• Commemorative editions.

Academic Publications

Not supported:

• Purely academic research projects.

Award-Related Publications

Not eligible:

• Publications connected to prizes or awards.

Educational Institution Projects

Not supported:

• Projects taking place in schools.
• College-based projects.
• University-related publications.

Periodical Publications

Restrictions apply to:

• Magazines.
• Partworks.
• Periodical publications.

More than two projects per year from such publications are not supported.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit complete project documentation.

Required materials include:

1. Artist, Photographer, or Architect Information

Applicants must provide:

• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Portfolio of the featured creator(s).

The portfolio should demonstrate:

• Artistic achievements.
• Professional experience.
• Relevance of the proposed monograph.

2. Publication Concept

Applicants must submit a detailed publication concept including:

• Publication format.
• Table of contents.
• Distribution strategy.
• Main text sections or key excerpts.

The concept should explain:

• The purpose of the publication.
• Target audience.
• Cultural importance.

3. Digital Publication Model

Applicants must provide:

• Digital maquette of the proposed publication.

The digital model should demonstrate:

• Design approach.
• Structure.
• Visual presentation.

4. Budget and Financial Plan

Applicants must include:

• Detailed project budget.
• Financial plan.
• Funding sources.
• Expected production costs.

5. Publisher Agreement

Applicants must provide:

• Contract between the editor or artist and the publisher.

This document should confirm:

• Publication responsibilities.
• Collaboration arrangements.
• Project commitments.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should ensure:

• The project focuses on an eligible contemporary Swiss creator.
• The publication has cross-regional importance.
• The project is not among excluded categories.

Step 2: Prepare Publication Proposal

Develop:

• Publication concept.
• Artistic rationale.
• Distribution plan.
• Accessibility strategy.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Collect:

• CVs.
• Portfolios.
• Digital maquette.
• Budget documents.
• Publisher agreement.

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit the complete application package according to the programme requirements.

Why It Matters

Monographs play an important role in preserving and communicating artistic achievements.

This programme supports:

• Recognition of Swiss contemporary creativity.
• Long-term documentation of artistic careers.
• Public access to cultural knowledge.
• International visibility of Swiss artists, photographers, and architects.

By supporting professionally produced publications, the grant strengthens Switzerland’s contemporary cultural ecosystem.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects without national relevance.
• Applying for exhibition catalogues or excluded publication types.
• Providing incomplete financial information.
• Failing to demonstrate co-funding.
• Ignoring language accessibility opportunities.

Application Tips

To improve proposals:

• Clearly explain the creator’s significance.
• Highlight the cultural value of the publication.
• Provide a strong distribution strategy.
• Include realistic financial planning.
• Demonstrate accessibility across language regions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Monograph Grant Program?

The programme provides funding for publishing high-quality monographs on established contemporary artists, photographers, and architects from Switzerland.

2. How much funding can a project receive?

Selected projects can receive up to CHF 20,000.

3. What percentage of the project budget can the grant cover?

The grant cannot exceed 25% of the total project budget.

4. Who can apply?

Publishing houses, editors, artists, photographers, and architects can apply.

5. Are deceased artists eligible?

No. Projects focusing on deceased artists, photographers, or architects are not supported.

6. Are exhibition catalogues eligible?

No. Exhibition catalogues are excluded from funding.

7. Are multilingual publications encouraged?

Yes. Projects that improve accessibility across Switzerland’s language regions through translations or multilingual activities are prioritised.

Conclusion

The Monograph Grant Program provides valuable support for documenting and promoting Switzerland’s contemporary artistic achievements. By funding high-quality publications on established artists, photographers, and architects, the programme helps preserve creative legacies, improve cultural accessibility, and strengthen the visibility of Swiss contemporary art and design.