Deadline: 06-Jul-2026
The Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation supports cultural and artistic projects in Switzerland and the United Kingdom that address socially relevant issues through innovative artistic expression. Grants are awarded to legal entities such as cultural institutions and associations working with professional artists, with a focus on interdisciplinary, socially engaged, and original cultural projects.
Overview of the Programme
The Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation funding programme supports professional cultural work that uses artistic expression to address social issues and encourage dialogue. It promotes innovation in the arts while strengthening cultural participation and cross-regional impact.
The foundation prioritizes projects that combine artistic excellence with social relevance and contribute to broader cultural and educational development.
Key Objectives
The programme aims to support meaningful cultural engagement through the arts.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting socially relevant artistic expression
- Encouraging innovation in artistic forms and aesthetics
- Promoting interdisciplinary cultural projects
- Strengthening cultural participation and dialogue
- Supporting cross-regional artistic impact
- Enhancing educational and societal value of cultural work
- Promoting professional cultural practice
- Fostering new perspectives through art
Artistic Focus Areas
The programme supports a wide range of artistic disciplines and approaches.
Supported fields include:
- Theatre
- Dance
- Music
- Visual arts
- Interdisciplinary cultural projects
- Experimental and innovative art forms
- Collaborative artistic productions
- Socially engaged cultural initiatives
Eligible Applicants
The programme has specific eligibility requirements focused on professional and institutional applicants.
Eligible applicants include:
- Cultural institutions
- Associations
- Foundations and sponsoring organizations
- Professional cultural groups (e.g., orchestras, theatre companies)
- Legal entities collaborating with artists
Important note:
- Applications must be submitted by a legal entity
- Individual artists cannot apply directly
Geographic Eligibility
The programme supports cross-national cultural exchange between Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Eligible regions:
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Swiss and British artists working within these countries
Funding Priorities
The foundation prioritizes high-quality, impactful cultural projects.
Priority criteria include:
- Artistic innovation and originality
- Strong social relevance
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Contribution to public dialogue
- Educational and cultural impact
- Potential influence beyond local or regional level
What the Programme Does NOT Fund
The foundation excludes several types of projects from funding.
Not eligible:
- Purely commercial cultural projects
- Applications from individual artists
- Very small or partial projects
- Infrastructure or operational costs
- Film productions or film festivals
- CD or audio productions
- Exhibition catalogues
- Literary publications
- Musicals and comedy productions
- Repeat or recurring projects
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to achieve:
- Increased cultural engagement and participation
- New forms of artistic expression and experimentation
- Strengthened dialogue on social issues through art
- Broader public access to cultural discourse
- Cross-border cultural collaboration
- Educational impact through artistic initiatives
Importance of the Programme
This funding initiative plays an important role in:
- Supporting socially engaged art and culture
- Encouraging innovation in the creative sector
- Strengthening cultural collaboration between Switzerland and the UK
- Promoting arts as a tool for social dialogue
- Enhancing the visibility of interdisciplinary cultural work
- Supporting professional artistic ecosystems
Conclusion
The Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation grant programme supports innovative cultural and artistic projects that address social issues through creative expression. By prioritizing interdisciplinary, socially relevant, and original works, it strengthens cultural dialogue, artistic innovation, and cross-regional collaboration between Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
For more information, visit Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation.