Pro Helvetia’s liaison office in Southern Africa supports 2 types of residencies: studio and research residencies. Southern African artists and cultural practitioners (e.g. curators, event organisers, mediators) in the areas of the visual arts, music, literature, theatre and dance are eligible to apply for a residency in Switzerland. In return, Pro Helvetia facilitates residencies in Southern Africa for artists and cultural practitioners from Switzerland. Studio residencies (max. 3 months) can be applied for once a year. Requests for research residencies (max. 4 weeks) are continuously accepted. You may only apply for one destination at a time.

Studio residency
A studio residency (max. 3 months) in Switzerland or, conversely in Southern Africa, gives artists the chance to gain a broad insight into a different cultural environment. The aim of the residency is to find inspiration, establish networks and contemplate new projects and cooperations. In addition to a place to work and accommodation, Pro Helvetia will provide a specialist from their field to support them. Pro Helvetia covers the costs of travel, insurance and per diem expenses. A maximum of four applications can be considered per region each year. Applicants may apply three times in total for a Pro Helvetia studio residency.

Selection criteria:

• Convincing track record: artistic activity above and beyond regional level for at least three years
• Plausible, context-related motivation
• Adequate foreign language skills

 
Applications: Can be submitted each year until 1 March via www.myprohelvetia.ch for the following year. Applications must be written in English.

Research residency
A research residency (max. 4 weeks) enables artists and cultural practitioners (e.g. curators, event organisers, mediators) to carry out research in Switzerland or, conversely in Southern Africa. The aim of the residency is to prepare an exchange project. A person from the relevant specialist field will help put together the programme for the visit and facilitate initial contacts. Pro Helvetia covers the costs of travel, accommodation, insurance and per diem expenses. A maximum of three applications can be considered per region each year.

Selection criteria:

• Convincing track record: artistic activity above and beyond regional level for at least three years
• Plausible, context related motivation
• Adequate foreign language skills
• Specific cultural exchange project with sustainable impact and international resonance, that meet the general criteria of Pro Helvetia.

Applications: May be submitted via www.myprohelvetia.ch at any time up to three months before the start of the trip. Applications must be written in English.