Focus Photo: support for new photographic projects

In the context of this call for applications, a project is defined as the production of a photographic work (analogue, digital, CGI, etc.) that is created and produced with a clear aim to be publicly presented. We encourage any approach that addresses the “focus” in an innovative and relevant way.

Possible approaches for this year’s focus “Photographic Uncertainties” include:

• projects that take a critical look at issues of representation in photography, the authenticity of images or the further development of different photographic equipment and techniques
• projects that take an experimental photographic approach to address this uncertainty
• projects that shed light on uncertainties relating to production and working conditions in the field of photography

The contribution is a fixed amount of CHF 15,000 per project.

• Projects must be in the field of artistic, documentary and/or applied photography. They should have an innovative and relevant approach towards the ‘focus’ and demonstrate high artistic quality. Attention will be particularly paid to the feasibility of the project, its final form and public presentation, as well as its importance in the applicant’s artistic development.
• Projects must not have been presented publicly yet and must be created with a goal of public presentation (exhibition, publication, editorial, etc.).
• Funding is available for all costs required to carry out the project, except for infrastructure, equipment and operating costs, incl. the maintenance costs of digital formats.

The following projects are excluded:

• Journalistic coverage and research projects (incl. print or digital press publication) as well as public relations projects
• Projects that are part of an academic curriculum or a basic or advanced education or training course, as well was revised editions of publications, commissioned work and projects produced as part of an advertising campaign
• Projects that are already ongoing

The application must be submitted by 1st November at the latest. The Foundation only accepts applications submitted via myprohelvetia.ch.

Decisions are made within eight weeks after the application deadline.

Application dossiers must contain :

• A concept of the project, including descriptions of content, form and presentation, as well as a timeline
• A strategy for the public presentation, including supporting documents if it is already scheduled (invitations, contracts, etc.)
• A detailed budget and financing plan
• A PDF containing information on recent work and a CV including a list of public presentations held to date

In the context of this call for applications, a project is defined as the production of a photographic work (analogue, digital, CGI, etc.), created and produced with a clear aim to be publicly presented.

• Yes, we support all stages of a project’s creation, e.g. research, production, presentation, etc. No grants are awarded for ongoing or finalised projects.

• If your project is in progress or has already been finalised, event organising institutions can apply for event support in Switzerland or abroad.

• Yes, the “focus” can be approached in different ways, not only thematically. It may, for example, relate to the photographers’ working conditions or creative processes. Any approach that addresses the “focus” in an innovative and relevant way is encouraged.

• If your project does not correspond to the current “focus”, the Visual Arts division has other supporting measures in place that might be suitable, such as: Production grant, grant for production with presentation and photographic publication.

• If the application is still being processed and no decision has yet been reached, you can withdraw your application from Production grants and submit it to Focus Photo.

• If a decision has been reached within the Production grants measure, you cannot submit the same application to Focus Photo, unless the project has evolved significantly, and has developed a new direction.

Yes, however, a convincing strategy on how to publicly present the project is essential and must be clearly elaborated in the application.

Yes, the contribution is available for all the costs required to carry out the project, except for costs regarding infrastructure, equipment and operation (incl. the purchase of equipment), as well as the maintenance costs of digital formats.

Yes, if the collaboration is relevant to the project.

Pro Helvetia provides support on the condition that artists are remunerated appropriately. There is no fixed remuneration scale, but for information the Guide (DE/FR/IT) published by Visarte can be consulted.