Open call: Pro Helvetia cross-border co-creation artistic projects

Overview

The call targets artistic projects in any discipline that are jointly developed by two partners as part of an equal collaboration. These may include individuals, duos or collectives.

Eligible collaborations are expected to originate from:

• Residencies
• Research trips
• Previous joint projects

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• One partner must be a Swiss citizen or permanent resident in Switzerland and demonstrate regular artistic engagement in Switzerland.
• The second partner must be artistically active in a region covered by a Pro Helvetia liaison office.
• At least one prior exchange must be demonstrated, such as:
  • A residency or research trip in the partner’s region, or
  • Evidence of previous joint artistic work

Additional requirements include:

• The application must be jointly prepared and submitted by both partners.
• Both partners must share conceptual and organisational responsibility for the project.
• Project timeframe
• The co-creation process may begin no earlier than 1 October following approval.
• Projects must be completed within 18 months of commencement.

Funding support

Successful applicants may receive support covering:

• Artist fees
• Travel costs for both partners
• Expenses related to the co-creation process and associated activities

Additional provisions include:

• Artists with care responsibilities may apply for up to CHF 1 000 (about $1 290) per month (per artist) to support childcare costs or travel costs for children and, where necessary, a caregiver during international travel linked to the project.

Application requirements

Applications must be submitted jointly in English and include:

• Project description (maximum 4 000 characters)
• Implementation plan, including:
  • Timeline
  • Division of roles
  • Planned activities or presentations
  • Description of the creative process
• Budget breakdown in Swiss francs (including any external funding)
• Supporting material in one PDF file (CVs, video links, list of previous work)
• Joint letter of intent or motivation, signed by both partners

Exclusion criteria

Applications will not be considered if:

• Leadership of the project is not equally shared between both partners
• More than two partners apply jointly
• The proposal concerns a tour or presentation of an existing work
• One or both applicants is an institution or festival
• Applicants are based outside the geographical scope of Pro Helvetia liaison offices

Timeline

• Applicants should apply here before 1 June (23:59 CEST)
• Decision notification: 1 October
• Earliest project start date: 1 October

Additional notes

• Applications may be submitted by an artist, duo or collective based in Switzerland or within a Pro Helvetia liaison region, provided the co-creation partner is clearly identified.
• Selected projects are expected to be completed within 18 months of approval.
• Applications will be assessed according to Pro Helvetia’s standard evaluation procedures, unless otherwise specified.

View the original call here.