Open call: Swiss arts grants

Submission guidelines

Applications can be submitted throughout the year. Submission deadlines are linked to the amount of the grant (see submission deadlines below). As a rule, the amount is based on the travel, transport and accommodation costs of a project. In every case, applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the start of the project. It is mandatory that projects are submitted together with a partner or venue in Switzerland.

Within the Ongoing Grant Programme, there are two types of funding:

• Project-based funding (under CHF15 000 [$17 000]): There are three submission deadlines for project-related applications (see submission deadlines below). In the case of several applications, the maximum annual grant per applicant is CHF20 000.
• Programme or priority funding (under CHF25 000, all disciplines except film*): Programme or priority funding supports festivals or seasonal/annual programmes that are planning several performances with artists from the Südkulturfonds’ list of eligible countries. Programme or priority applications are announced once a year and reviewed by a transdisciplinary commission. Südkulturfonds awards a maximum of five programme grants per year.

Conditions for programme or priority funding:

• Maximum support grant of CHF24 999.
• At least six performances with artists from the Südkulturfonds’ list of eligible countries (priority is given to priority countries).
• Programme or priority applications can be supported only once every two years per applicant.
• If programme or priority funding is received, no additional project application can be submitted in the corresponding year.
• *Film festivals are exempt from these conditions. Film-related applications can be submitted for more than CHF25 000 three times a year.

The Ongoing Grant Programme supports:

• Performances, exhibitions and artistic happenings at Swiss venues.
• Tours by artists with at least two confirmed performances in Switzerland and/ or neighbouring countries.
• Album, theatre and dance productions with at least two different and confirmed performance venues in Switzerland and/or nearby Europe.
• Residencies of at least three weeks to a maximum of three months. Residencies involve artistic creation in Switzerland and are accompanied by a host (residency venue, event location, publisher, etc.). Also comprising the residency is a moment of public presentation of the artist(s) and their work to an interested audience in Switzerland.
• Literary translations into one of the Swiss national languages.
• Sur- and subtitling of performances and screenings in Switzerland.
• Film series and festivals that involve filmmakers in the accompanying programme. Film festivals can submit project applications for more than CHF25 000.

The Ongoing Grant Programme does not support:

• Advertising and charity events.
• Film productions.
• Infrastructure and equipment.
• Projects in the context of education and training.
• Requests from the amateur cultural scene.
• Applications that have been submitted after the deadline.
• Projects that are already underway or completed and projects without adequate self-funding and/or without coherent financing plan.
• Funding requests for projects or parts thereof that are already supported by other federal agencies.

Application requirements and priorities

An application must contain the following:

• Description of the concept and implementation plan of the project.
• Details of the persons and institutions involved.
• Launch of the project.
• Balanced budget and coherent financing plan.
• The requested amount must be clearly shown as a comprehensible deficit.

Südkulturfonds prioritises projects:

• With artists living and working in the following countries and regions: a) priority countries, i.e. partner countries of the Swiss development cooperation, b) other countries and regions eligible for development aid. Please consult the Südkulturfonds’ list of eligible countries.
• With artists who are at the beginning of their artistic career (two to 10 years).
• With artists who have given more than two performances in Switzerland or in neighbouring countries.
• Of high artistic quality and originality.
• Which are implemented according to professional standards.
• Which are supported by various funding institutions (municipalities, cantons, foundations).
• With a convincing concept for distribution/ dissemination and or promotion.
• That demonstrate equal cooperation between all project participants at eye level.
• That bring together different disciplines (trans disciplinarity).
• That strive for equal opportunities and diversity (e.g. gender).

When assessing applications, the experts of the Südkulturfonds attach importance to the responsible and sustainable use of the funding.

Submission deadlines

Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the start of the project. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Project contributions under CHF5 000: four weeks before the start of the project at the latest.
• Project contributions under CHF15 000: 31 January, 31 May, 15 November.
• Programme/priority contributions under CHF25 000: 31 January.

*Film-related contributions: 31 January, 31 May, 15 November

*Film-related applications over CHF30 000 must be submitted at least two months before the start of the project and only in consultation with artlink.

Interested artists should login or register here to apply. 

View the original call here.