The Co-creation open call supports intercultural exchange and artistic collaboration projects. Projects should be jointly led by two artistic partners (whether solo artists, duos, or collectives) active in any of the disciplines supported by Pro Helvetia. One partner must be based in Switzerland, and the other in one of the regions covered by Pro Helvetia’s liaison offices. Applicants must have either completed a Pro Helvetia-supported research trip or residency in the partner’s region, or demonstrate at least two prior joint projects.

For Whom

Two partners consisting of artists (solo artists, duos or collectives) who are active in any of the disciplines supported by Pro Helvetia. One partner based in Switzerland and the other in one of the regions of Pro Helvetia’s liaison offices. You can find a list of all eligible countries below.

Selection Criteria

• At least one partner has completed a Pro Helvetia supported research trip or residency in a country or region of the other partner (i.e. in Switzerland or the region of Pro Helvetia offices abroad). Alternatively, applicants may provide references of their previous collaborations (at least two joint projects).
• One participating artistic partner has a Swiss passport or permanent residency in Switzerland, regularly presents their work in nationally renowned, recognised institutions and can verify that they are active in national networks.
• The application must be co-developed by both partners.
• Co-creation processes can start earliest four months after the application deadline and must be completed within 18 months.
  In addition to these specific criteria, the general requirements apply.

Financial Contribution

• Artists’ fees (incl. social security contributions)
• Travel costs for both partners
• Costs associated with the co-creation process and with planned activities including material costs, equipment hire, transport costs, etc.
• If travels abroad are part of the Co-creation project, artists with childcare responsibility can apply for financial support of up to CHF 1,000 per month (for a maximum time of 4 weeks) as a contribution to childcare or for the travel expenses of their children and, if necessary, a carer. This also applies if the child/children stay at home and are cared for. Applicants must submit an approximate budget of all expenses in advance.

Content Of Application

The application must contain the following documents co-developed by both partners:

• Project description (max. 4000 characters)
• Implementation plan (including time schedule, division of roles, planned activities/presentations, process description)
• Additional references compiled in a single PDF document (CV, video links, list of previous presentations/activities)
• Joint declaration of intent/joint letter of motivation for the collaboration, signed by both partners

Format-specific Exclusion Criteria

• The conceptual and organisational leadership is not shared between the two partners.
• More than two partners apply together.
• The project is a tour or presentation of an existing work.
• One or both partners is an institution or a festival.
• The support concerns infrastructure costs and the operation of cultural institutions, archives and collections.

Artists and cultural practitioners from countries outside the Pro Helvetia liaison offices’ area of responsibility may not apply. Pro Helvetia is unable to consider funding requests if the applicant is enrolled in a school, university curriculum, basic training, or education programme.

Application Deadlines and Decision Timelines

Additional Information

• Joint applications may be submitted by either: an artist, artist duo or collective living in Switzerland or in a region of Pro Helvetia liaison offices, and should specify the other artist or collective as a co-creation partner.
• Co-creation projects are expected to be completed within 18 months of a positive decision.

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