The Swiss Arts Council supports studio and research residencies in the regions covered by the liaison offices it maintains in Egypt, India, Poland and South Africa. Swiss artists and cultural practitioners (e.g. curators, event organisers, promoters) in the areas of the visual arts, music, literature, theatre and dance are eligible to apply.
Conversely, Pro Helvetia Cape Town facilitates residencies in Switzerland for interested persons from Southern Africa. Each year between four and six applications from our region can be considered.
Studio residencies (typically 3 months) and research stays (max. 4 weeks) are available.
Studio residency
The residency (typically 3 months) gives artists and cultural practitioners the chance to get a broad insight into a different cultural environment. During this time they can find inspiration, establish networks and make their work known in a new context, without being under the pressure of production.
In addition to a place to work and accommodation, Pro Helvetia provides a specialist from their field to support them. The Swiss Arts Council also pays the costs of travel, board and insurance. Residencies are flexible, with a duration of between two and six months.
Selection criteria: Convincing track record, personal motivation, adequate command of English or a relevant foreign language and eagerness to become involved in exchange with the local culture.
The selection is made by a jury set up by Pro Helvetia Cape Town in conjunction with the specialist division in Zürich.
Applications: By 1 February, via www.myprohelvetia.ch (under «Inter-/Multidisciplinary projects/Residencies»).
If applicants are unable to apply through www.myprohelvetia.ch, separate application forms are available from Pro Helvetia Cape Town on request.
Research residency
The short residency (max. 4 weeks) enables artists and cultural practitioners to carry out research in the regions covered by the liaison offices, or conversely in Switzerland. The residency is an opportunity to get to know a different culture or to prepare a project.
An expert in the relevant field will help to put together the programme for the visit and will be available to give support during the residency. Pro Helvetia pays the costs of travel, board and lodging and insurance.
Selection criteria: Convincing track record, outline of a project with sustainable impact and international resonance or another plausible motivation, adequate command of English or a relevant foreign language. The selection will be made by Pro Helvetia Cape Town.
Applications: May be submitted at any time via www.myprohelvetia.ch (under «Knowledge sharing»), but in any case at least two months before the start of the trip.
Through its mandate from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Pro Helvetia Cape Town also offers residencies inside Southern Africa for Southern African artists. The deadline for applications is 31 January.
