Pro Helvetia
Shanghai
Established in 2010, the Shanghai liaison office of Pro Helvetia is committed to cultural exchange and artistic collaboration between Switzerland and Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
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 Shanghai but we support projects in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
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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Sticky post: How do cross-border collaborations take root? Interview with four organisers
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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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Circuit Mixers: a networking project for FINTA DJ-producers
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Fostering deeper relationships: research and reciprocity in curatorial practice
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Translating practices: learnings from curators’ trips to Switzerland
Frequently asked questions
I’m a Swiss artist and my upcoming project is based in Hong Kong/Macau, am I eligible to apply for your suppport?
Yes, we cover activities and initiatives that take place in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
I am an artist from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan. 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 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 an artist from the 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.
I am an artist from the 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 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