Design

In terms of design, we promote contemporary, professional design, e.g. textile design, fashion design, industrial design, product design, service design, graphic design, etc.

In terms of game design, we promote professionally developed digital content for devices such as computers, game consoles, mobile or mixed reality devices, the use of which requires a high degree of interaction and has a major impact on the content.

Our selection of platforms is regularly reviewed to meet needs and potential, for instance:

As part of our efforts to promote design, we organise presentations and exhibitions at various relevant design-related events in Switzerland, Milano Design Week or host matchmaking programmes in Copenhagen.

As part of our efforts to promote game design, we organise delegations of Swiss studios to attend the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, Gamescom in Cologne and Tokyo Game Show.

Participation in these platforms takes place via calls for applications.

Our design grants exclude unique items, gallery projects, craft projects, new editions and commissioned work or work done for commercial or promotional purposes (this list is not exhaustive)

In principle, most funding formats are aimed at emerging talents. These are professional designers whose relevant training or registration dates back less than 7 years.

In the field of design, applications must be submitted by a self-employed person, a sole proprietorship or a company that is verifiably registered in this timeframe, provided the training was completed more than 7 years ago. 

In the field of game design, it depends on the phase for which you are applying:

• Applications for a contribution to pre-production do not necessarily have to be submitted by a legal entity (GmbH, AG, etc.): a self-employed person, a sole proprietorship or a company that is verifiably registered in the 7-year timeframe can submit applications, provided that the training dates back more than 7 years.
• Applications for a contribution to production or post-production must be submitted by a legal entity (GmbH, AG, etc.) that is verifiably registered in the 7-year timeframe. If the training was completed less than 7 years ago, sole proprietorships are also eligible if there is a willingness to convert them into a legal entity.

For both areas, design and game design, the copyright and usage rights must be held by the project owner.

Our experts sign a confidentiality agreement before selecting a project. The designers will be contacted prior to information about the supported projects being published.

Applications may also be submitted in German, French or Italian. A summary of the key points (no more than a single A4 page) must be submitted, which will be translated by Pro Helvetia for the international jury.

Architecture and photography are supported by the Visual Arts Division.