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Music

Support for music

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General Requirements
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Who are our formats directed to?

We support the creation of present-day, professional music as well as the dissemination and promotion thereof. 

Our support measures are directly aimed at both professional artists and event organisers—such as festivals—that present Swiss music.  

What are our funding activities?

  • Presence at professional platforms, Swiss focal points outside of Switzerland 
  • International tours and performances 
  • Promotional measures within Switzerland and abroad 
  • Creation and production grants for new musical works 
  • Support for festivals and events outside Switzerland with Swiss-based bands and musicians, as well as international performances of works by contemporary composers from Switzerland 
  • Support for festivals and events in Switzerland showcasing present-day music from the other language regions of the country 
  • Seasonal programmes by ensembles with at least three new productions or premieres of contemporary Swiss composers 
  • First-time collaboration (featuring) of artists from the hip-hop and/or clubbing scene with the aim of a joint release 
  • Tools for networking and developing international careers 
  • Residencies and research trips 
  • Programmes for emerging artists in collaboration with partner institutions 
  • Pro Helvetia and FONDATION SUISA run the platform SWISS MUSIC
  • Pro Helvetia and other funding institutions support the organisation Swiss Music Export
  • Pro Helvetia and international funding institutions support the Impuls neue Musik fund
  • Pro Helvetia supports the Liveeurope network for emerging artists
  • Pro Helvetia supports the European network SHAPE+ for musicians active in the fields of experimental and electronic music 

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Frequently asked questions

Does Pro Helvetia support tours in Switzerland?

No, but performances in other language regions can be supported if they take place at key festivals and events. In this case the application must be submitted by the event organisers. 

What does Pro Helvetia mean by ‘present-day, professional music’?

This term refers to music by creators who are artistically active today. Musical heritage projects and projects with historical repertoire are not supported. 

Should I submit my application under ‘Creation and production: pop, jazz, global’ or ‘Creation and production: contemporary music?

Musicians identifying with the following genres should submit their application under ‘Creation and production: pop, jazz, global’: pop, rock, jazz, electronic, experimental, global sounds, hip-hop, etc. 

Contemporary musicians with an academic background (new music, sound art, improvisation, electroacoustic music) should submit their application under ‘Creation and production: contemporary music’. 

Does Pro Helvetia also support performances by Swiss-based musicians abroad when no present-day music by Swiss-based creators is played?

No. We only support present-day music from Switzerland. Projects with no connection to present-day Swiss-based music (e.g. with historical repertoire or with works by composers from countries other than Switzerland) are not supported. 

I’m a student in Switzerland. Can I apply for a scholarship from Pro Helvetia?

No. We do not award scholarships. Our support is aimed at professional artists who have completed their education. 

Can I submit the same project to multiple funding measures at once?

No. You need to opt for a specific funding measure when submitting your application. 

My project is a music theatre/sound installation/audiovisual work/musical work of interdisciplinary nature. Where do I submit my application?

Please submit your project under ‘Creation and production: pop, jazz, global’ or ‘Creation and production: contemporary music’. The difference between the two support measures is explained in these FAQs above. 

I live in Switzerland, but I do not have Swiss citizenship. Can I apply for support?

Yes. We support artists within Switzerland regardless of their nationality, provided they are rooted in the scene and have a regular presence at relevant events. 

I have Swiss citizenship, but I live abroad. Can I apply for support?

We support artists whose work is primarily based in Switzerland. If you live abroad, you need to be able to prove that you are part of the Swiss scene (e.g. by regularly working in Switzerland, appearing in various regions of Switzerland and being recognised as a Swiss artist). 

What does cross-regional significance mean?

We consider an event to be of cross-regional significance if its programme represents the Swiss music scene in a relevant way and if the event has a national appeal. 

In order for us to promote musicians, they must have a cross-regional presence in the music scene. This is the case if they are regularly programmed by recognised events and festivals in other regions of Switzerland or abroad. 

Does Pro Helvetia support the purchase of instruments?

No. We generally do not support purchases, investment contributions or operating costs. 

Do you have a question and would like to speak with a team member?

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