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© Matthieu Croizier

Performing arts

COMPASS

Applications can be submitted from: 1 January

Target group
Practitioner with connection to Switzerland
Submission deadline
1 March, 23:59 (CET)

What

Two-year funding for independent companies and artists to further develop their international careers. Together with self-selected national and international partners (theatres, festivals, agencies, promotion offices), the companies develop a long-term strategy and adapt their structures accordingly.

For Whom

Independent performing arts companies and artists from Switzerland

Selection Criteria

  • The company has created at least two productions that have already toured with the support of Pro Helvetia.
  • Remuneration of all participants according to the recommendations provided by professional associations

In the assessment, projects are prioritised according to the following criteria:

  • artistic independence and international presence of the company
  • relevance and feasibility of the strategy
  • calibre of the partners involved (theatres, festivals, agencies, promotion offices)

In addition to these specific criteria, the apply.

Financial Contribution

  • The grant will cover all costs incurred (such as analysis, planning, external coaching, mandates, implementation costs).
  • Maximum of CHF 50,000 for 2 years

Content Of Application

  • Project description (max. 2 A4 pages) based on the following questions:
    • What specific goal should be achieved within the two years?
    • Why is now the right time for the project?
    • How will the project be implemented?
    • What role do the partners play in the project?
  • Confirmation from partners (theatres, festivals, agencies, promotion offices)
  • Schedule
  • Detailed budget

Format-specific Exclusion Criteria

Support through the COMPASS format is possible at most every four years.

Application Deadlines and Decision Timelines

Applications can be submitted from1 January
Submission deadline1 March, 23:59 (CET)
Notification of decisionWithin four months
Earliest start date for the project1 August

Applications can be submitted from: 1 January

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