CROSSROADS: Pro Helvetia and SDC offer insights into international cultural promotion work

The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) have jointly organised «CROSSROADS – international perspectives on culture art and society», an event to be held in Basel and Geneva from 8 to 10 February. Both draw on long years of experience when it comes to fostering culture in an international context. The SDC supports cultural scenes in its partner countries, while Pro Helvetia promotes Swiss arts and culture throughout the world. Its three oldest liaison offices abroad – in Cairo, Johannesburg and New Delhi – each celebrate a round anniversary this year.

In what ways can artists be active on the international stage and work together? What contribution does this make to social developments? What role do art and culture play in a society’s change processes? The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) have been dealing with these questions for many years.

Culture as stimulus for development

An independent, diverse and participatory cultural sector has vital contributions to make towards the attainment of sustainable development targets, be it by strengthening civil society, buttressing the freedom of speech, or fostering integration and social cohesion. This is why the SDC supports local cultural projects in its partner countries and priority regions, and facilitates access for cultural practitioners from the South and the East to Swiss and international audiences, cultural markets and professional networks.

Swiss culture abroad

One of Pro Helvetia’s key tasks is the dissemination of Swiss arts and culture abroad. The Arts Council provides backing for reading tours, concerts, theatre and dance performances and exhibitions around the world, fosters translations and funds artists representing Switzerland at major cultural events. It also makes important contributions to international cultural exchange, particularly through its outposts abroad – four cultural centres and five liaison offices. The three oldest liaison offices each have a round anniversary to celebrate between 2017 and 2018: Pro Helvetia has been present in Cairo for 30, in Johannesburg for 20 and in New Delhi for 10 years. This was one of the reasons for

the Arts Council to organise CROSSROADS, a conference accompanied by cultural events, in conjunction with the SDC.

«CROSSROADS – international perspectives on art, culture and society» will be held in Basel and Geneva from 8 to 10 February 2018. (www.prohelvetia.ch/crossroads)

Press meeting: Thursday, 8 February 2018, 11.30 – 12.15, University of Basel
Kollegienhaus, Petersplatz 1, 4051 Basel, Raum 0028

In the presence of:

• Philippe Bischof, Director of Pro Helvetia
• Tatjana von Steiger, Deputy Vice Director of SDC and Deputy Head of Global Cooperation
• Jasper Walgrave, Project Management CROSSROADS and Head of Swiss & South American Cultural Exchanges, Pro Helvetia
• Géraldine Zeuner, Head Culture and Development, SDC

Press kit with programme, photos and information on Pro Helvetia’s work abroad and the SDC’s cultural promotion work:

https://datatransfer.prohelvetia.ch/#/public/shares-downloads/CX9S4WOZ2dhkhlMmGs5Zh4ppDHzCDldm

Media relations:
Lisa Stadler, Communication
lstadler@prohelvetia.ch; Tel. +41 44 267 71 51