Visual Arts

Work grants

Pro Helvetia supports the creation of works in the field of visual arts (incl. performance, new media, artist’s books, photography as well as comics) by means of work grants. The support measures are aimed at Swiss artists whose work enjoys cross-regional recognition. Eligible artists have a proven track record in their field, and the project in question must represent a significant step in their artistic development. Applications can be submitted only by the artists involved.

See the complete Guidelines for Applicants Visual Arts

Events in Switzerland

Pro Helvetia promotes cultural exchange between the linguistic regions of Switzerland by supporting exhibitions and performances by Swiss artists at renowned arts institutions and art spaces in Switzerland. As a rule, the minimum duration of an exhibition must be four weeks. The applications must be submitted by the art institution or the organiser. Organisers are expected to make an appropriate contribution to local costs and fees.

Contributions can be provided towards:

• transport and insurance costs;
• rental costs of equipment;
• material costs for temporary art works;
• travel expenses (economy, excl. accommodation);
• fees in the case of performances.

See the complete Guidelines for Applicants Visual Arts

Events abroad

Pro Helvetia supports exhibitions and performances by Swiss artists at internationally renowned art institutions and art spaces abroad.

As a rule, the minimum duration of an exhibition must be four weeks. The applications must be submitted by the art institution or the organiser. Organisers are expected to make an appropriate contribution to local costs and fees.

Contributions can be provided towards:

• transport and insurance costs;
• rental costs of equipment;
• material costs for temporary art works;
• travel expenses (economy, excl. accommodation);
• fees in the case of performances.

On request from a renowned organiser, Pro Helvetia supports international exchange of knowledge abroad. Eligible for support are specialists who contribute to the content of public events on topics connected with Swiss art. As a rule, the amount of support is measured against the travel expenses.

See the complete Guidelines for Applicants Visual Arts

Publications and translations

On request from a reputed publishing company from Switzerland or abroad, Pro Helvetia contributes to the costs of printing and/or translation of theme-based publications of national significance with a clear art-historical connection to Switzerland, as well as monographs and œuvre catalogues of Swiss artists, irrespective of the author’s nationality.

Contributions may be granted to publications that:

• contain a substantial art-historical or art-critical text;
• deal with the artist concerned and / the theme whilst taking into account new scholarly insights;
• have a clear and well-researched art-historical connection to Switzerland;
• in the case of monographs: document a period of artistic creation of around ten years.

Applications for artist’s books can be submitted in connection with work grants, applications for photo books can be submitted in connection with the promotion of photo books.

See the complete Guidelines for Applicants Visual Arts

Arts and audience projects

Pro Helvetia supports arts and audience projects in Switzerland that engage audiences in personal encounters with professional artistic creation and thereby heighten their awareness of artistic works and presentations. Projects can be considered for promotion if they contain an innovative approach to outreach and education in practice and therefore are of nationwide exemplary nature or if they focus on more than one linguistic region in Switzerland.

See the complete Guidelines for Applicants Visual Arts

Residencies

Pro Helvetia supports residencies and research trips of Swiss arts practitioners in China, India (or other south Asian countries), Russia, Egypt (or other Arab countries) and Southern Africa.

See the complete Guidelines for Applicants Visual Arts

Promotion of aspiring artists

Pro Helvetia supports aspiring artists primarily via partnerships with recognised institutions in Switzerland and abroad. The promotion is aimed at artists with outstanding potential and prospects of a national or an international career. Aspiring artists are supported during the first five years of their professional artistic career either after they have obtained their artistic degree or following the first public presentation of their work. The upper age limit for support is 35. Only projects that are conducive to establishing the artist in a professional environment at national and international level are eligible for support.

See the complete Guidelines for Applicants Visual Arts