Intercultural Tandem
In connection with its «Intercultural Society» initiative, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia is seeking projects relating to intercultural opening.
Support is given to publicly funded cultural institutions and organisations from all artistic and cultural sectors who wish to launch strategic projects in tandem with experts of their choice. This will enable these cultural institutions to gain new perspectives, working methods, diversity-related competencies and a more multifaceted network.
In connection with a concrete project, such institutions, if selected, will receive a contribution towards the costs of a mandated specialist or specialised organisation that has the expertise required for the development of intercultural approaches.
FAQ Intercultural Tandem
What do you understand by intercultural opening?
Intercultural opening refers to strategic and organisational developments at institutions with regard to intercultural matters. It enables an intercultural strategy aimed at creating relevant offers at cultural institutions for the migrant society in terms of their staff, programmes and audiences policy. The focus is on strategic and structural measures to ensure the sustainability of intercultural activities and openness at the institutions concerned.
What kind of projects are supported?
The targets of a selected project can be very diverse. Conducting topic-related research, developing concepts, forging networks, scouting for art practitioners, specific training for employees, etc. What matters is that the strategic aim of the project submitted is intercultural opening at the institution(s) in question. An art and audience programme aimed at refugees, for example, would not be eligible for support through the Intercultural Tandem initiative, whereas the development of a new strategy for the inclusion of new audiences would.
Are all diversity projects eligible for submission?
No, only projects in the field of migration. Although the term interculturality can be applied to all kinds of diversity topics (gender, disability, generations, etc.), this specific initiative focuses exclusively on the subject of migrant societies.
Is the call for projects aimed at people with a migration background?
No, not as a direct target group. The call addresses the publicly subsidised cultural scene, since any kind of transformation in the direction of intercultural opening can only come about with both the willingness and the appropriate level of competence in intercultural matters among the decision-makers. «Intercultural Tandem» aims to help all the cultural institutions involved gain the necessary intercultural competence that enables them to open up their programmes, art and audience efforts and staff policy to the migrant society.
I work for an institution in the migration/inclusion field. Am I entitled to submit a project?
Only cultural institutions that receive public-sector funding are eligible to submit projects. All other institutions can apply in their capacity as a specialist organisation in tandem with a cultural institution provided they can contribute the appropriate expertise in diversity matters.
Can art projects be submitted that present work by artists from abroad or that spotlight migrant societies?
No, art projects are not funded through this initiative. «Intercultural Tandem» aims to enable a strategic-level exploration of forms of exclusion and possible structural changes to enhance the degree of diversity at cultural institutions in a lasting way. Applications for the support of art or art and audience projects can be submitted via the regular cultural promotion channels at Pro Helvetia.
