2026 Pro Helvetia Residency Program in Switzerland

Job Description

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Applications are now open for the 2026 Pro Helvetia Residency Program, offering fully supported artist residencies of up to three months at selected partner institutions across Switzerland.

This international residency program is designed to support artistic exchange, research, and collaboration between Switzerland and cultural practitioners from regions covered by Pro Helvetia’s liaison offices.

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

About the Pro Helvetia Residency Program

The Pro Helvetia Residency Program provides artists and cultural practitioners with the time, space, and resources to deepen their artistic practice while building strong professional connections within Switzerland’s cultural ecosystem.

Selected participants will engage in creative research or project development that strengthens cross-cultural dialogue and long-term collaboration between Switzerland and their home regions.

Who Can Apply

The residency is open to artists and cultural practitioners who meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be from regions served by Pro Helvetia liaison offices, including:
  Arab Region, East Asia, South America, South Asia and Vietnam, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa
• Applicants must be active in any discipline supported by Pro Helvetia
• Applications are accepted from individual artists and artist duos

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have permanent residence in one of the eligible regions
• Be actively engaged in the local cultural or artistic scene
• Demonstrate a strong professional background through a comprehensive portfolio
• Show a clear professional interest in the selected Swiss destination
• Propose an artistic project or research idea that encourages exchange between Switzerland and the applicant’s country of residence
• Possess working knowledge of English or one Swiss national language to support effective communication

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Proven track record of professional artistic practice
• Quality and relevance of the portfolio
• Strength and clarity of the proposed project or research idea
• Alignment of the proposal with cultural exchange goals
• Motivation to engage with Switzerland’s local cultural field and networks

Residency Benefits

Selected residents will receive comprehensive support, including:

• Accommodation in Switzerland
• Coverage of travel costs
• Daily living allowances
• Access to a local cultural coach to support networking and exchange
• Workstation (upon request)
• Contribution toward production or material costs (upon request)

Childcare Support

Artists and cultural practitioners with childcare responsibilities may apply for additional financial support of up to CHF 1,000 per month, which can be used for:

• Childcare expenses
• Travel costs for children and, where necessary, a carer

This support also applies if children remain in the home country. Applicants must submit a detailed budget outlining all related expenses.

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted in English and include:

• Project title and brief description
• Motivation statement explaining professional interest in the chosen Swiss destination
• Preferred length of stay and selected residency destination
• Updated CV
• Portfolio showcasing relevant professional work

Important Exclusion Criteria

• Artists and cultural practitioners from countries outside Pro Helvetia’s liaison office regions are not eligible
• Applicants currently enrolled in a school, university degree, basic training, or formal education program will not be considered

Why Apply

The Pro Helvetia Residency Program offers a unique opportunity to work within Switzerland’s vibrant cultural landscape, develop new artistic perspectives, and build meaningful international collaborations.

For artists seeking focused creative time, professional exchange, and global exposure, this residency provides the ideal platform to expand impact and artistic reach.