Pro Helvetia Johannesburg is happy to announce our annual call for applications for residencies in Switzerland for artists and cultural operators from the Southern African region. Pro Helvetia has a network of regional liaison offices in China, Egypt (for the Arab region), India (for the Indian subcontinent), Russia and South Africa (for Southern Africa).

In order to enhance cultural exchange and artistic collaborations between Switzerland and these regions Pro Helvetia offers residencies in both directions. Southern African and Swiss artists and cultural practitioners (e.g. curators, event and festival organisers, mediators) in the areas of music, literature, visual arts, design and interactive media, theatre and dance are eligible to apply.

1. Studio residency 2018

A studio residency (3 months) in Switzerland gives artists the chance to gain a broad insight into a different cultural environment and professional context for the arts. The aim of the residency is to find inspiration, establish networks and contemplate new projects and co-operations. In addition to work space and accommodation, Pro Helvetia will provide specific advice and practical support in navigating this different context.

The Swiss Arts Council covers the cost of travel, insurances and per diem expenses. Applicants may benefit up to a maximum of three times in total from a Pro Helvetia studio residency.

1.1 Selection criteria
▪convincing track record: personal artistic activity above and beyond regional level
▪context-related motivation – relevant language skills (English, French and/or German)

1.2 Applications
Applications should be submitted on or before the 1st of March 2017 via www.myprohelvetia.ch. Applications must be written in English.

2. Research residency

A research residency (max. 4 weeks) enables artists and cultural practitioners (e.g. curators, event and festival organisers, mediators) to carry out research in Switzerland. The aim of the residency is to explore possibilities for a collaborative or exchange project between Switzerland and Southern Africa. Pro Helvetia supports the compilation of the visiting programme. The Swiss Arts council covers the costs of travel, accommodation, insurance and per diem expenses.

2.1 Selection criteria
▪convincing track record: professional activity above and beyond local/regional – context-related motivation
▪specific cultural exchange project with sustainable impact and international resonance, that meet the general criteria of Pro Helvetia. – relevant language skills (English, French and/or German)

2.2 Applications
Applications can 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.

For further details visit: www.prohelvetia.org.za