Pro Helvetia participates financially in the cultural programme of the Istituto Svizzero in Rome and its branch in Milan. This cooperation is governed by a support agreement.

The institute operates on two core functions. It promotes up-and-coming Swiss artists and researchers and it strengthens cultural and scientific relations between Italy and Switzerland. Each year, the institute hosts residencies for young artists and researchers from Switzerland and, in parallel, organises arts and science events, often of transdisciplinary nature. Its artistic programme contributes to the dissemination of Swiss arts and culture in Italy.

With the aim of bringing artistic practice and scientific research together, the institute offers three interdisciplinary residencies: Roma Calling, Milano Calling and Palermo Calling.