Design
Support for design
Who are our formats directed to?
We promote the creation and dissemination of all kinds of professional contemporary design, including game design.
Our support is generally aimed at all design professionals and at event organisers. Certain measures are aimed exclusively at professional designers whose design-relevant training or registration dates back less than seven years.
What are our funding activities?
- Biannual call for applications to support the different development phases of a project
- Annual call for applications for delegations to participate in national and international trade fairs or platforms
- Grants for individual participation in international events
- Coaching, mentoring, matchmaking measures and workshops
- Residencies and research trips
- Publications on contemporary Swiss design (excluding game design)
- Support for thematic exhibitions on and knowledge exchange of contemporary Swiss design, in Switzerland and abroad (excluding game design)
- In game design, Pro Helvetia together with partner institutions presents Swiss participation in international trade fairs under the banner SwissGames
What’s on
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Looking back and looking ahead: the stages of CCS On Tour
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Game Design Work Grants: Selected Projects Spring 24
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Design Work Grants: Selected Projects Spring 24
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Swiss designers cross paths in Amman
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SwissGames at Gamescom 2024
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Kinaesthetic Time Capsules – game design masterclass in India
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Swiss game designers taking over GDC
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Milano Design Week | 15 to 21 April 2024
Frequently asked questions
What types of professional design are supported?
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.
Which national and international trade fairs and platforms does Pro Helvetia participate in?
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.
My project is a gallery project. Does this mean I am not eligible for support?
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)
What legal form do I need to submit an application for a work grant? Do I need to have a company?
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.
I would like my project to remain confidential, since my brand or project is not yet patented. Is that possible?
Our experts sign a confidentiality agreement before selecting a project. The designers will be contacted prior to information about the supported projects being published.
I am unable to submit an application in English. How do I proceed?
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.
At Pro Helvetia, is the promotion of architecture and photography (e.g. for exhibitions or publications) covered by the Design division or the Visual Arts Division?
Architecture and photography are supported by the Visual Arts Division.
Do you have a question and would like to speak with a team member?
The team at a glance