Pro Helvetia
Cairo
Established in 1988, the Cairo liaison office of Pro Helvetia is committed to cultural exchange and artistic collaboration between Switzerland and the Arab region.
Our team of local experts facilitates and supports professional encounters between artistic scenes in the disciplines supported by Pro Helvetia. We forge ties with event organisers and nurture long-term partnerships with relevant platforms to support the promotion and dissemination of Swiss arts in the region. Our grants enable residencies and research trips in both directions to foster cultural exchange.
About us
Whom do we address?
- Artists and creators in Switzerland and the region
- Curators and cultural event organisers and programmers in Switzerland and the region
- Organisations, platforms and institutions supporting exchange and presentation of work to audiences in the region
Where we operate
Our team is based in Cairo. We work throughout the Arab region, supporting projects in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.
Our funding activities
- We support the presentation of Swiss contemporary work in the region through participation in festivals, tours, exhibitions and events.
- We support professional exchange and networking among artists, cultural practitioners and partners from Switzerland and the region, in both geographical contexts.
- We run a residency programme and support research trips for individual artists and cultural practitioners from Switzerland and the region. Further information on our residency partner network and guides to residencies can be found here.
- We select projects on the basis of their outstanding qualities and their relevance in the regional context.
What’s on
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Residency reflections: five artist in residence stories
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Residencies 2027: information
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Illustration Masterclass brings a delegation of children’s book illustrators to China
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International platforms: a spotlight for Swiss music
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Co-creation: selected projects 2025
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Drawing ties in the comics scene: global delegation in Switzerland
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SwissGames at Gamescom 2025
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Spotlight on circus in Switzerland: Visitors from abroad
Frequently asked questions
I am an artist from the Arab region. What funding opportunities does Pro Helvetia offer?
Please find the relevant formats under Find support. Make sure to select the parameters that suit you.
I am an artist from the Arab region and I want to present my work in Switzerland. Can Pro Helvetia fund me?
No. We do not normally support the presentation of work through, for example, exhibitions and tours in Switzerland. Please refer to artlink for funding opportunities relating to presenting work in Switzerland.
I am an artist from the Arab region, am I eligible for a work grant?
No. As a national foundation, Pro Helvetia supports work grant for artists with Swiss nationality or with permanent residence in Switzerland.
Applicants who have completed a research trip or a residency supported by Pro Helvetia may apply for a co-creation grant.
I am a student and am looking for support. Can Pro Helvetia fund me?
No. We do not fund tertiary education.
I am an artist from the Arab region and I want to apply for funding for a project in another country within the region. Can Pro Helvetia fund me?
No. We only support projects that have a clear Swiss dimension or connection, involving Swiss arts professionals.
Do you host and organise cultural events or educational programmes?
Pro Helvetia Cairo is not a cultural center and does not host, curate, or organize cultural events nor educational programs. All projects supported by Pro Helvetia Cairo are led and organised by Swiss and Arab partners.
I have a project proposal, but no Swiss partner. Can Pro Helvetia introduce me to relevant Swiss partners?
Please contact the respective programme manager for your region.
Do you have a question and would like to speak with a team member?
The team at a glance