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Art+: research grant

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Target group
Practitioner with connection to Switzerland
Submission deadline
Open year-round

Information  

This support measure is currently being further developed and, as of 5 January 2026, will put a stronger focus on structural aspects of sustainable development and digitalisation.

This means that applications which have not yet been finalised and definitively submitted must be submitted via the portal on our website by 4 January 2026, 23:59 at the latest.

What

In-depth research for artistic projects that address current social issues at the interface of different social or scientific fields, or that approach them using new methods. The focus is on active collaboration between artists and people from non-artistic fields.

For Whom

Two or more participants, including at least one artist working in a discipline supported by Pro Helvetia and at least one expert with a recognised track record from social or scientific sectors (e.g. ecology, technology, anthropology).

Selection Criteria

  • All steps of research that may arise in the scope of a new artistic project are taken into consideration(developing ideas, testing experimental and multimedia approaches, trying out different artistic approaches, etc.).
  • Potential of the collaboration and appropriateness of the methods
  • The participants’ first collaboration took place no more than five years ago.
  • Relevance of the content and feasibility
  • Professional and artistic quality and professional research

In addition to these specific criteria, the apply.

Financial Contribution

  • Maximum grant of CHF 10,000
  • The grant from Pro Helvetia must not exceed 50% of the total budget.
  • In addition, art practioners with childcare responsibilities can apply for financial support of up to CHF 1,000 per month as a contribution to childcare or for the travel expenses of their children and, if necessary, a carer. This also applies if the child/children stay at home and are cared for. Applicants must present a budget of all expenses in advance.

Content Of Application

  • Description of the planned research concept
  • Implementation plan
  • Budget and financial plan (incl. information regarding all financial assistance requested from third parties)
  • Details of the participants involved in the project (CVs, portfolios, etc.) and a description of their roles and duties therein. All project participants must be determined at the time of application.

Format-specific Exclusion Criteria

  • Grants towards infrastructure, equipment and operating costs, as well as maintenance costs in the case of digital formats
  • Grants towards research involving people who are still in training
  • Multiple applications: only one application may be submitted per person and per project
  • A research grant does not mean you have automatic rights to a subsequent production grant
  • Grants towards projects that concern only artistic disciplines

Application Deadlines and Decision Timelines

Submission deadlineOpen year-round
Earliest start date for the projectEight weeks after submitting the application
Notification of decisionWithin eight weeks
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General Requirements

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Introduction

Pro Helvetia promotes the professional contemporary Swiss art and cultural production (without film) with a view to diversity as well as national and international reach. It supports the creation of new artistic works and productions, the exchange between Switzerland’s various linguistic regions, the dissemination of Swiss art and culture outside Switzerland and international cultural exchange. As a national foundation, Pro Helvetia supplements the promotional activities of Swiss cantons and municipalities and only supports projects that are cross-regionally or internationally recognised.

Pro Helvetia will only consider funding applications if they are complete and have been submitted on time.

To be eligible for support, projects must

  • have a clear connection to Switzerland
  • be of nationwide importance
  • be adequately co-funded by other public or private means
  • respects/guarantee fair working conditions

Connection to Switzerland

A connection to Switzerland is given, if one of the following conditions is met:

  • The production or project in question is developed or implemented by artists and cultural practitioners, who verifiably hold Swiss citizenship or are permanent residents of Switzerland and who are regularly artistically involved in relevant events in Switzerland.
  • The project is created, developed, or implemented by an independent group or cultural institution whose place of production is in Switzerland and who is regularly and publicly active in Switzerland.

Nationwide relevance

Nationwide relevance is given, if one of the following conditions is met:

  • The art and cultural practitioners participating in the project are regularly involved in programmes of nationally recognised art and cultural institutions in Swiss regions other than their own or abroad, and the project in question has a transregional appeal.
  • The artistic potential of an emerging art practitioner involved is exceptional in terms of a national or international career.
  • The project makes a significant contribution to the development of Swiss artistic and cultural production and its dissemination.
  • The project is of significant importance for the exchange between Switzerland’s various linguistic regions.

Assessment of content and quality

Within the framework of the available funds, Pro Helvetia prioritises projects that most comprehensively meet the funding criteria. The Foundation assesses whether

  • the project demonstrates high degree of independence and professional competence as well as social and thematic relevance
  • the project is implemented according to professional standards
  • the costs are commensurate with the expected impact
  • a lasting impact can be expected

Furthermore, the Foundation attaches great importance to the following aspects:

  • The project has an appropriate commitment to diversity.
  • Resources are used in an ecologically responsible manner and work and production are planned sustainably.

Restrictions

Pro Helvetia is unable to consider funding requests if

  • the same part of the submitted project is already received funding from other federal bodies (e.g. Federal Office of Culture, Presence Switzerland, Swiss National Science Foundation, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation)
  • the project is part of a school or university curriculum/basic training or continuing education programme (including dissertations, diploma projects, university scholarships, etc.)
  • funding is intended to cover infrastructure and equipment costs, as well as the costs of operating cultural facilities, archives and collections
  • the project does not depend on funding from Pro Helvetia
  • the project requires travel to regions for which the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) advises against travel at the time of application.»

Status: September 2025