Annual report 2023
Protecting principles of autonomy and freedom
Pro Helvetia has continuously adapted to changing cultural and institutional circumstances and remains firmly anchored in the political and cultural landscape of Switzerland.
Charles Beer, President of the Board of Trustees
As the country’s Arts Council, we are obliged to clearly analyse the reality we operate in. Only then are we able to support the arts and culture scenes in a way that allows them the scope and freedom they need to engage creatively with contemporary issues and to contribute to an innovative shaping of the future.
Philippe Bischof, Director
Focus Switzerland
Pro Helvetia’s domestic activities include promoting artistic creation in all its variety in Switzerland as well as contributing to its dissemination and to cultural exchange among the country’s different regions. The Swiss Arts Council supports cultural projects of national interest, based on application, and provides incentives for new projects and ideas.
In 2023, Pro Helvetia supported over 2,100 arts and culture projects throughout Switzerland. They reflect the enormous diversity of contemporary artistic and cultural creation in this country, and highlight current social issues and developments. In view of today’s ideological polarisation and far-reaching technological innovations, the cultural scene remains turbulent even after the subsiding of the Covid pandemic. All the more important, therefore, that arts and culture practitioners can focus predominantly on their work. Pro Helvetia’s responsibility is to facilitate this with appropriate support measures.
Each year, Pro Helvetia publishes information on its website under ‘contributions attributed’ on projects it supported or realised in the year under review. Discover some project examples:
Rohini Devasher from India and Elisa Storelli from Switzerland worked on artistic projects during their residencies at the ICTS (International Centre for Theoretical Sciences) in Bengaluru, India, and at CERN in Geneva. Pictured: Rohini Devasher and ICTS staff. © Venus Maku Thokchom
In autumn 2023, the exhibition ’Sur Papier’, featuring works by Swiss artist Francine Mury and Chinese artist Zhuqing Jiang, was showcased in China at the Hanshan Art Museum in Suzhou and the Wuhu Museum. © Hanshan Art Museum
Fabian Menor received a creation grant in 2023 to work on his comic ’Iris’, about an elderly painter with failing eyesight. Pictured: project sketch. © Fabian Menor
The Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, which explores the intersection of art, technology and society, featured a special focus on Switzerland in 2023. One of the highlights was the sound project ’OSZILOT’ by Luc Gut and Rolf Hellat. © Sarah Muehlebach
Focus International
Pro Helvetia awards grants on an application basis to arts and culture projects from Switzerland that are presented across the world. Through its offices abroad, Pro Helvetia promotes the development of professional, international networks in all the artistic disciplines it supports, and strengthens cultural exchange and collaboration at an international level.
In 2023, Pro Helvetia supported over 4,600 arts and culture projects in 117 countries in the framework of its international activities. Participating at festivals, biennials or art fairs can be a significant milestone in the careers of arts practitioners as it boosts awareness of their work. Important international platforms for Swiss artists in 2023 included the ‘House of Switzerland’ during the Milano Design Week, the focus on Switzerland during the ‘Move’ festival at Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the pilot project ‘OFF Stage Switzerland’ at the Frankfurt book fair.
Each year, Pro Helvetia publishes information on its website under ‘contributions attributed’ on projects it supported or realised in the year under review. Discover some project examples:
In 2023, Pro Helvetia introduced the pilot project ’OFF Stage Schweiz’ at the Frankfurt book fair. This modular space served as a central gathering point within the fair. Pictured: Laura Vogt participating in the ’Textkiosk’ event. © Mariann Bühler
“Amidst countless pressing issues and a world that burns hotter by the day, how do we find and define our focus? How do we decide where we can, should, must or want to prioritise our efforts? When choosing which projects to work on, I approach focus as a balancing act: weighing urgency against caution, seeking an equilibrium between experimentation and experience, and considering diverse voices and views. Each project aims to shed light on certain themes while experimenting with different artistic and cultural approaches. In this way, each project finds its own focus and creates value and meaning while serving as a blueprint for future endeavours.”
Danaé Panchaud
Director, Centre de la photographie Genève, and President, Spectrum – Photography in Switzerland
The Joshua Monten Dance Company was invited to showcase two of its productions at various festivals and venues for young audiences in South Africa in 2023. Pictured: presentation at the Windybrow Arts Centre in Johannesburg. © Ihsaan Haffejee
In autumn 2023, Humus Records, a music label based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, hosted ‘Humus Fest N° 2’ in Fribourg. The festival featured performances by several Swiss musicians, including musician and performer Baby Volcano. © Aurelie Ayer
Global network
Pro Helvetia’s global network enables artists and cultural practitioners from Switzerland to attend important events. It also promotes exchange and cooperation with local cultural institutions and artists. Our global network includes six liaison offices and the Centre culturel suisse (CCS) in Paris. The Istituto Svizzero in Rome (ISR), its branch in Milan, and the Swiss Institute in New York (SINY) also receive our support.
Liaison offices
With the intention of broadening its cultural reach beyond Western Europe, Pro Helvetia has maintained several liaison offices in the Arab world (Cairo, 1988), Southern Africa ( Johannesburg, 1998), Southern Asia (New Delhi, 2007), China (Shanghai, 2010) and Russia (Moscow, 2017), and established its first decentralised structure in South America (Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Santiago, São Paulo, La Paz, 2021). These regionally operating teams are tasked with connecting local arts and culture scenes with those in Switzerland.
Operating in diverse cultural and political landscapes, Pro Helvetia’s liaison offices are staffed exclusively by local personnel. They support projects in collaboration with local partners across all areas supported by Pro Helvetia. Furthermore, they facilitate research trips and residencies for cultural practitioners from their regions to Switzerland and vice versa.
As part of Pro Helvetia Moscow’s reduced mandate, only direct exchanges between artists and cultural practitioners in the form of residencies or research projects were supported in 2022 and 2023. In view of the unchanged political situation with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the foundation established that it was no longer possible for the office in Moscow to fulfil its mandate of disseminating Swiss culture in Russia. Following a decision in principle in November 2023, the Board of Trustees decided at its meeting on 28 February 2024 to discontinue the office’s activities at the end of 2024. However, in line with its mission to promote cultural dialogue, the Foundation is convinced that the exchange with the independent art scene must be maintained. To this end, a minimal structure in the form of a cultural exchange unit will be set up for a two-year pilot phase from 1 January 2025.
Centre culturel suisse in Paris (CCS)
The Centre culturel suisse (CCS) in Paris, managed by Pro Helvetia, showcases and supports contemporary Swiss art in Paris and throughout France. With a primary focus on the performing arts, music and visual arts, it aims to strengthen connections between the artistic and cultural scenes in Switzerland and France. The CCS is temporarily closed for renovations. During this time, it is hosting an ’On Tour’ programme in various regions across France.
Partner institutions
Based on performance agreements, Pro Helvetia contributes substantially to the cultural programmes of two Swiss institutions abroad: the Istituto Svizzero in Rome (ISR) and its branch in Milan, as well as the Swiss Institute in New York (SINY).
In 2023, Pro Helvetia hosted a programme of events and artist residencies at Palazzo Trevisan degli Ulivi in Venice, focusing on experimental and site-specific artistic creation. The annual programme included a series of concerts and thematic residencies for artists from Switzerland in Venice.
In 2023, Pro Helvetia’s global network continued to support professional cultural exchange and networking among artists and cultural practitioners across diverse circumstances. Despite uncertainties due to the tense geopolitical climate, long-standing partnerships have enabled the liaison offices to contribute to stability. Exchange programmes enable artists and cultural practitioners to expand their knowledge, networks and exposure to new cultural contexts, as well as broaden their professional horizons. In 2023, Pro Helvetia launched ‘Co-Creation’, a pilot measure conducted in collaboration with all liaison offices that supports the development of project ideas stemming from previous residencies, research trips and other collaborations.
Each year, Pro Helvetia publishes information on its website under ‘contributions attributed’ on projects it supported or realised in the year under review. Discover some project examples:
In the realm of design, Final Studio received support to develop prototypes for their project ’Finally. Für die Lebensreise. Für fragile Zeiten.’, which includes functional and aesthetically pleasing products tailored for end-of-life circumstances. © Mina Monsef
“Focusing, to me, means creating an intentional space where I can fully engage with myself. It is an opportunity to reflect on what deeply motivates, fascinates and brings joy to me. This can take many forms, and it is important to take time for it. Currently, I frequently revisit artworks that profoundly impacted me as a teen some twenty years ago, and have remained etched in my memory ever since. This practice fosters a sense of grounding and a certain feeling of continuity. It gives me the stability I need to continue embracing the challenges of our world today.”
LUDWIG BERGER
The sound artist worked with biologist Juan José López Díez on a project about insect sounds in 2023.
Swiss artist Luc Mattenberger and economic policy researcher Reto Odermatt received an Art+ Exchange grant for their project ’Bien-être, entre tyrannie et expiration – un dialogue expérimental entre science et art’. © Luc Mattenberger and Reto Odermatt
The long-term research project ’Fungi Cosmology’ explores the world of fungi by bringing together experts from the world of science and art from Brazil, Chile and Switzerland for lectures, workshops and expeditions. © Rodrigo Valle
Facts and figures
Of the CHF 45.4 million available to Pro Helvetia in 2023, 86.8 per cent were invested directly to support art and cultural activities. At 13.2 per cent, the share of administrative costs lay within the range defined by the Federal Council. In 2023, Pro Helvetia received a total of 6,359 applications. Compared to the previous year, the share of approved applications fell by 3.5 percentage points to 38.9 per cent.
Culture as the highest priority
Of the CHF 45.4 million spent by Pro Helvetia in 2023, 86.8 per cent went directly to cultural activities. At 13.2 per cent, the share of administrative costs, calculated based on the ZEWO standard, remained within the range defined by the Federal Council.
In accordance with the Culture Promotion Act and the strategic objectives of the Federal Council, Pro Helvetia is actively engaged in fostering emerging talent, promoting art mediation, encouraging artistic creation, facilitating cultural exchange in Switzerland and abroad, and supporting projects that introduce new cultural impetus.
To achieve these goals, Pro Helvetia provides support for projects spanning the performing arts, design (including game design), literature, music, the visual arts and art+ upon application basis. The Swiss Arts Council also implements measures to enhance the international visibility and networking of Swiss artists and launches thematic initiatives. It offers guidance and assistance to Swiss artists, cultural authorities and event organisers worldwide, and is committed to diversity, equal opportunities and fair renumeration.
Federal funding in CHF
As part of the ‘Kulturbotschaft’ (Cultural Message), the parliament approves a budget for Pro Helvetia every four years. For the four-year period 2021–2024, the Foundation was allocated CHF 180.4 million. The amounts paid out are slightly lower due to credit cuts. The amount effectively paid out for 2021–2024 will be CHF 178.8 million.
Overview of applications received
In 2023, Pro Helvetia’s divisions and liaison offices received 6,359 applications from third parties.
In 2023, none of Pro Helvetia’s funding decisions were appealed.
* Excluding partner calls for applications
** Swiss artist residencies, global research trips and co-creation projects.
Development of the number of applications
The share of approved applications decreased by 3.5 percentage points compared to the previous year. However, significantly more applications were submitted in 2023 than in the previous year. The absolute number of approved applications therefore increased slightly in 2023.
For the 2021–2024 funding period, the Swiss Arts Council introduced a new key figure system. The approval rate is nowcalculated exclusively based on third-party applications. Own initiatives are no longer included.
Supporting linguistic diversity
Each year, Pro Helvetia publishes a list of the contributions it has attributed. The online database provides information on the supported arts practitioners or cultural institutions, the type of project or format, and the amounts granted. The database covers funding made in the past five years and complements Pro Helvetia’s annual report.
Contributions attributed by Pro Helvetia take into account Switzerland’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
Principal languages by region. Source: Federal Statistical Office (as of 2021)
Contributions attributed
Contributions across Switzerland
A single contribution can support multiple arts and cultural projects (such as events, publications, research trips or studio residencies). In 2023, Pro Helvetia supported 2,120 arts and cultural projects in Switzerland. Projects were spread nationwide across 205 localities – from rural municipalities, such as Zuoz, Saint Imier and Schongau, through towns, such as Kreuzlingen, Vevey and Locarno, to densely populated conurbations, such as Bern, Geneva, Basel and Zurich.
Promoting Swiss culture around the world
Besides its domestic activities, in 2023, Pro Helvetia supported over 4,600 Swiss art and cultural projects in 117 countries.
Geographical distribution of contributions attributed:
The 2023 ’Move’ festival at Centre Pompidou in Paris spotlighted performative female artistic creation, with a special focus on productions by performing and visual artists from Switzerland. Pictured: Performance by Natasza Gerlach, titled ’Eventfully Tender’. © Herve Veronese
In summer 2023, the Kunstmuseum Winterthur presented ’Shoplifters from Venus’, a comprehensive solo exhibition by Geneva artist Sylvie Fleury. © Courtesy of the artist and Sprüth Magers / Courtesy of the artist and Karma International, Zurich / Courtesy of Galerie Mehdi Chouakri, Berlin, Reto Kaufmann
Where do we find sources of healing? What is the origin of music? These questions were explored in the ’Sources’ project of the ’Outernational’ concert series, presented at Radialsystem in Berlin. Swiss composer Jessie Cox’s work was among the compositions performed by the international Trickster Orchestra. © Phil Dera
“My work is characterised by dark themes: intrusive thoughts, guilt, death. And ducks. The ducks are crucial. Without them, there is no accessibility and therefore no reason for me to continue writing. I craft narrative games to cultivate awareness. Games should redefine themselves through their stories. Narratives don’t need to be written – actions tell just as much. I want to make a difference and shape my scene.”
Natasha Sebben
The game designer received a work grant for her project ’Psychotic Bathtub’.
Evaluation
Pro Helvetia regularly carries out evaluations of important commitments and measures. In 2023, the Swiss Arts Council commissioned a review of its performance agreement with the Swiss Institute New York (SINY) and of the cooperative funding agreements (CFA) made in 2021–2023. These evaluations provide important information on the effectiveness of the funding measures and highlight any need for adjustments.
Cooperative Funding Agreements (CFA) 2021–2023
Established in 2006, the Cooperative Funding Agreements (CFA) in the Performing Arts is a collaborative funding mechanism involving cities, cantons and Pro Helvetia. During 2021–2023, a total of 13 independent groups were each awarded three-year contracts. An evaluation conducted in early 2023 showed that these groups succeeded in meeting the required objectives, despite the challenging circumstances during and after the pandemic. The CFA mechanism has proven to be effective, offering groups flexibility and a level of security for planning which is not usually the case in the independent theatre scene. This fosters continuity and regular activity at an international level. The programme will be continued for the 2024–2026 period.
Swiss Institute New York (SINY)
In 2023, Pro Helvetia conducted an evaluation of its performance agreement with the Swiss Institute in New York. The analysis focused on the impact of the agreement, last renewed for the period 2017–2020 and subsequently renewed annually, on visual artists from Switzerland in terms of promotion and networking. The evaluation encompassed both the annual residencies introduced at SINY in 2019 and the exhibitions. Overall, artists expressed appreciation for both the exhibition programme and the residencies, acknowledging the significant impact of New York as a location and SINY as a venue on their artistic careers. However, discussions on structural and financial aspects are necessary due to the high costs of running the institution and its programmes. Based on the evaluation results, a new performance agreement is being prepared for 2025.
Organisation
The Board of Trustees, chaired until the end of December 2023 by former Geneva State Councillor Charles Beer, is responsible for the Swiss Arts Council’s strategy and governance. The head office, under Director Philippe Bischof, and its 121 staff in Switzerland and abroad ensure that the Foundation’s activities and objectives are pursued and implemented efficiently and effectively. Pro Helvetia is able to rely on the advice of its Committee of Experts, as well as numerous juries and independent experts.
Board of Trustees
The nine members of the Board of Trustees represent the diversity of the cultural sector, the operational requirements of the Foundation and the language regions of Switzerland.
In 2023, with the Federal Council renewing appointments for all extra-parliamentary committees, the Board of Trustees updated its members’ declared interests and external mandates. This information is publicly accessible (in German, French and Italian). Board members are required to obtain approval from the Board President before accepting new mandates. As a principle, they must manage their personal and business affairs in a manner that avoids conflicts of interest; permanent conflicts of interest preclude Board membership. In addition to provisions in Art. 34 para. 4 and Art. 35 para. 2 of the Culture Promotion Act (KFG), Art. 8f of the Government and Administration Organisation Ordinance (GAOA) and Art. 17 of Pro Helvetia’s Internal Rules of Procedure, Pro Helvetia’s rules on conflicts of interest and recusal apply to Board members when conflicts arise.
Head Office
The Director manages the head office and chairs the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is responsible for implementing Pro Helvetia’s strategies and funding activities.
The sectors, as well as the divisions and offices abroad, process funding applications, develop support concepts and measures and are responsible for dissemination and promotion. They advise event organisers, artists and cultural practitioners and implement their own initiatives.
Committee of Experts
The Committee of Experts consists of a maximum of 13 members, each posessing special knowledge in their fields of expertise. The Committee assesses multi-year performance agreements and funding requests for amounts over CHF 50,000 not assessed by a jury.
Juries
Pro Helvetia may appoint juries to assess funding requests and projects.
External experts
External experts advise the head office on specialised topics upon request.
The 2023 Verzasca Foto Festival brought together photographers from around the world, including artists from regions where Pro Helvetia has regional offices, such as Mahmoud Khattab from Egypt. © Ascanio Cecco / Pro Helvetia
Swiss studio Strangers was awarded a work grant for its game ’Trailblazers’ in autumn 2023 and was part of the SwissGames delegation at Gamescom. © Adrien Cantone, 2023 Strangers Sàrl
“Writing requires an equal amount of both distancing and immersing oneself. Writing requires eyes and giant ears in a world, where the most terrible and beautiful things occur, which is always and forever turning, from which there is no escape. How does one respond to it, given its size, its weight, its abundance?
And yet, what keeps me writing is continuing to look at this world, listen to it, stay in dialogue with it and create space for exchange. And then to make room again for reflection, for the passage of time, for digesting and refining what has been collected. All this, to once again immerse, extract, immerse.”
Gianna Molinari
The Swiss author co-curated the programme ‘OFF-Bühne Schweiz’ with Mariann Bühler at the 2023 Frankfurt book fair.
The ’Sélection Suisse en Avignon’, a curated showcase of Swiss stage productions at the OFF-Festival in Avignon, took place for the first time under the direction of Esther Welger-Barboza. Pictured: ’L’œil nu’ by Maud Blandel © Pascal Gely