Pro Helvetia runs this annual open call for artists and cultural practitioners based in the regions of its liaison offices: the Arab region, East Asia, South America, South Asia and Vietnam, and West, Central, East and Southern Africa.
Selected residents spend up to three months at a partner institution in Switzerland, such as Atelier Mondial in Basel, Sitterwerk in St. Gallen or Château de Lavigny, to develop a project or research and connect with the Swiss cultural scene. All disciplines Pro Helvetia supports are eligible.
Benefits & funding
- A stay of up to three months at a Swiss partner institution
- Accommodation, travel costs and daily allowances
- A local coach who links you to the Swiss cultural field
- On request: a workstation and a contribution to production or material costs
- Parents: up to CHF 1,000 a month towards childcare or children’s (and a carer’s) travel, budgeted in advance
Eligibility
- Permanent residence in one of the countries or territories listed below, with active participation in its cultural scene
- Active in a discipline Pro Helvetia supports (design, literature, music, performing arts, visual arts)
- A comprehensive portfolio and proven professional track record
- Not open to anyone enrolled in a school, university or training programme
- Working knowledge of English or a Swiss national language; no age limit
- Individuals or artist duos (one joint application)
- Eligible: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates; Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan; Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela; Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam; Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Application process
- 1Prepare, in English: a proposal title and short description, a motivation for your chosen destination, desired length of stay, CV and portfolio.
- 2Submit on Pro Helvetia’s online portal between 1 January and 1 March, 23:59 CET; email applications are not accepted.
- 3Expect a decision within four months; residencies take place the following year.
Program timeline
1 March 2026
Last deadline (2027 residencies)
Next call expected to open
1 January 2027
Expected deadline
1 March 2027, 23:59 CET
Selection finalised
By July 2027
Residencies take place
2028