Call for applications: Pro Helvetia Synergies programme

From hackathons to fellowships, from residencies to think tanks, the Synergies open call offers support of CHF 20 000 (about $21 600) to CHF 150 000 for international collaborations and encourages programmes which spark new approaches, methodologies and connect knowledge from different contexts.

If the following applies to the applicants’ envisioned programme, it fits the open call:

• Looking for a frame in which the applicant can test, build and further develop research- and process-oriented formats at the intersection of art, science and technology.
• If the programme enables meaningful international collaboration, besides developing and strengthening new and existing networks between art, science and technology.
• If the programme is aimed at artistic and cultural practitioners through activities such as networking, residencies, research and exchange formats.
• The support is allotted to the conceptualisation, creation and implementation of the programme. This may include artists’ fees, travel costs, material costs, etc. Infrastructural costs (building, renting, etc.) and operational costs (salaries, insurances, etc.) of the organisations will not be supported.

Who can apply?

Proposals must be jointly submitted by a minimum of two organisations. The collaboration must consist of a Swiss arts or cultural organisation with one or more partners from around the world. These can be, for example, music and exhibition venues, dance companies, literature platforms, cultural spaces or established networks and platforms

Applying organisations must have a convincing track record and the necessary experience in working at the intersection of art, science and technology. Pro Helvetia supports various definitions of “art”, “science” and “technology” according to different geographical contexts and the plurality of knowledge systems.

To help find a potential partner organisation as well as inspiration, applicants are invited to browse organisations worldwide on the art, science and technology directory initiated by Pro Helvetia. The directory includes examples of organisations with relevant experience and interest. Partners are not to be limited to organisations included in the directory. The directory is initiated and commissioned by Pro Helvetia. Content was compiled by December 2022 by independent consultants. The directory will be updated periodically.

Eligibility

• Each collaboration involves at least one Swiss artistic or cultural organisation.
• The activities are planned over a period of one to two years (starting earliest in March 2024).
• The proposed programme is situated at the intersection of art, science and technology.
• All organisations invest and contribute accordingly to their size, abilities and regional contexts (contributions can include overhead costs, infrastructure, accommodation, network, visibility, advice, etc.).
• A significant part of the proposed programme is open to the public (for example public events, showcasing, online presence, etc).
• The proposed programme has a clear impact on the Swiss artistic and cultural scene, also on respective artistic and cultural scenes.
• The programme involves artistic disciplines supported by Pro Helvetia.

Excluded from funding:

• Programmes which are part of a school or university curriculum/basic training or continuing education programme (including dissertations, diploma projects, university scholarships, etc).
• Programmes starting before March 2024.
• Infrastructural costs (building, renting, etc.) and operational costs (salaries, insurance, etc.) of the organisations.
• Programmes which already receive funding from Pro Helvetia.
• Programmes involving and initiated by only one organisation.

Selection criteria

• Originality, quality and impact: Does the proposed programme suggest unique methods or outstanding content? Do the organisations have convincing track records? Will the proposed programme have a significant impact on the art, science and technology landscape?
• Research and process-orientation: Is the proposed programme research-oriented? Does it provide a framework for experimentation?
• Equity within the collaboration: What mutual inspiration and added value lies in the collaboration across different disciplines? Do art and science meet at eye level and mutually enrich each other?
• Relevance: Is the proposed programme relevant for the intersection of art, science and technology? In what way does it fit the geographical, cultural and artistic context?

How to apply

• One partner per programme hands in the application until 2 October 2023.
• Applications must be in English and submitted exclusively via the portal myprohelvetia.ch. Only complete applications will be considered.

Applications must contain the following:

• A concept outlining the aims, format, content, and implementation of the programme specifying the milestones and the intended impact.
• Information about all participating organisations: role in the programme, investment in the programme, responsible persons, involved artists, etc.
• Signed letter of intent of all participating organisations.
• A budget and financing plan (with detailed information about the financial contributions of the partners) incl. specification of the amount requested from Pro Helvetia; The maximum total grant per programme is CHF150 000 and cannot exceed 50% of the total budget.
• Additional relevant documents (e.g., documentation of past projects, media reports, etc).
• Corresponding costs for ecologically responsible use of resources and protection of the environment (for example, expert advice for emission reduction, environmentally compatible alternatives, CO2 compensation) can be included in the programme budget.

A jury will be appointed to assess the submitted applications. All applicants will be contacted latest by February 2024.

View the original call here.