Request for Proposals: Standard Grant Program (Switzerland)

Deadline: 11-Oct-2026

The Swiss Cultural Fund UK supports the international mobility and visibility of Swiss artistic talent by enabling presentations and collaborations within the United Kingdom.

The fund aims to:

• Promote Swiss contemporary arts in the UK
• Support cultural exchange between Switzerland and the UK
• Strengthen international artistic networks
• Enable public presentation of artistic works
• Support both completed and development-stage projects with confirmed UK venues

It is designed as complementary funding to help artists deliver high-quality cultural projects.

Who the Programme Supports

The fund supports:

• Swiss nationals working in the arts
• Artists residing in Switzerland
• Switzerland-based cultural practitioners
• Cultural organisations representing Swiss artists

Important condition:

• Projects must already have a confirmed UK venue or cultural partner

Types of Support Available

Public presentation support

• Funding for exhibitions, performances, screenings, or events in the UK
• Support for showcasing completed artistic works

Research and development support

• Funding for project development stages
• Only eligible if a UK public presentation is already confirmed

Professional development

• Building networks within the UK cultural sector
• Increasing visibility and audience reach
• Supporting international collaboration

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: £3,000 per project
• Grant type: Standard project-based funding
• Application cycles: 3 open calls per year
• Funding purpose: Complementary support (not full project funding)

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants:

• Swiss artists (individuals)
• Artists residing in Switzerland
• Cultural organisations based in Switzerland

Project requirements:

• Must involve a recognised UK cultural organisation or venue
• Must have a confirmed public presentation in the UK
• Must demonstrate artistic relevance and professional quality

Ineligible applicants:

• Students applying for bursary-type support
• Projects without confirmed UK partners or venues

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted in English via the Zealous platform and include:

• Completed application form
• Detailed project budget including
  • Expenses
  • Income sources
  • Funding allocation
• CVs of participating or represented artists
• Supporting PDF document with
  • Project description
  • Visual materials or images (if applicable)

Objectives of the Programme

The Swiss Cultural Fund UK aims to:

• Strengthen Swiss artistic presence in the UK
• Enable cross-border cultural exchange
• Support professional artistic development
• Expand international visibility for Swiss artists
• Foster collaboration between Swiss and UK cultural institutions

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Project development

• Secure UK cultural partner or venue
• Plan public presentation or exhibition

Step 2: Application submission

• Submit documents via Zealous platform
• Include budget, CVs, and project details

Step 3: Evaluation process

• Applications reviewed for artistic quality and feasibility
• Focus on international collaboration and impact

Step 4: Funding decision

• Selected projects receive up to £3,000 support
• Funding acts as supplementary project financing

Step 5: Project implementation

• Artistic work presented in the UK
• Engagement with audiences and cultural institutions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without a confirmed UK venue or partner
• Submitting incomplete budgets or missing financial details
• Ignoring requirement for English-language application
• Applying for full project funding instead of complementary support
• Student applications (not eligible under programme rules)
• Weak documentation of artistic concept or impact

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can apply for the Swiss Cultural Fund UK
  • Eligible applicants include
    • Swiss nationals working in the arts
    • Artists living in Switzerland
    • Switzerland-based cultural organisations
• What is the funding amount
  • Up to £3,000 per project under the Standard Grant
• What type of projects are supported
  • Public presentations such as
    • Exhibitions
    • Performances
    • Screenings
    • Cultural events in the UK
  • Research and development projects with confirmed UK presentation
• Is a UK partner required
  • Yes
  • A confirmed UK venue or cultural organisation is mandatory
• Can students apply
  • No
  • Student bursary applications are not eligible
• How many calls are there per year
  • Three open calls annually
• Where do applicants submit applications
  • Applications must be submitted online via Zealous platform

Conclusion

The Swiss Cultural Fund UK provides targeted financial and professional support for Swiss artists seeking to present their work in the United Kingdom. By enabling international exhibitions, performances, and collaborations, the programme strengthens cultural exchange, enhances artistic visibility, and builds long-term networks between Swiss and UK cultural sectors.

For more information, visit Swiss Cultural Fund UK.