The Switzerland Residency Programme 2026 offers artists and cultural practitioners the opportunity to spend up to three months at a partner institution in Switzerland while developing an artistic project, conducting research, and building connections with the Swiss cultural sector.
The programme is offered by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, and is open to eligible artists and cultural practitioners from specific regions covered by Pro Helvetia’s liaison offices.
Switzerland Residency Programme 2026
The residency provides an opportunity for artists to temporarily work in Switzerland, exchange ideas with local cultural professionals and develop projects that strengthen connections between Switzerland and the applicant’s country of residence.
Residencies can last for up to three months at a partner institution in Switzerland.
Applications can be submitted from 1 January, with the application deadline set for 1 March at 23:59 CET.
Apply for the Residency in Switzerland
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for artists and cultural practitioners who do not have a connection to Switzerland.
Applicants must:
- Be permanently resident in one of the eligible regions covered by a Pro Helvetia liaison office.
- Be actively involved in the cultural scene of their region.
- Have a comprehensive portfolio and demonstrated professional track record.
- Have a strong professional interest in the selected Swiss destination.
- Propose an artistic project or research idea.
- Demonstrate an interest in networking with the local Swiss cultural sector.
- Have knowledge of English or one of the Swiss national languages to facilitate communication.
Applications can be submitted by individual artists or artist duos.
Eligible Artistic Disciplines
The residency is available to practitioners working in disciplines supported by Pro Helvetia.
The programme covers artists and cultural practitioners across a range of artistic fields, making it suitable for applicants working in areas such as visual arts, performance, design, music, literature and other supported disciplines.
What Does the Residency Provide?
Successful applicants receive several forms of support during their residency.
Accommodation
Pro Helvetia provides accommodation for the residency period.
Travel Costs
Travel costs associated with the residency are covered.
Daily Allowance
Artists receive daily allowances during their stay.
Local Cultural Coach
Each resident is connected with a cultural professional from the local artistic field who helps facilitate networking, exchange, and connections within Switzerland’s cultural sector.
Workspace
A workstation can be provided upon request.
Production and Material Costs
Applicants can request a contribution toward production and material costs where necessary for their project.
Additional Support for Artists With Children
Artists and cultural practitioners with childcare responsibilities can apply for additional financial support of up to CHF 1,000 per month.
This can contribute toward:
- Childcare expenses
- Travel expenses for children
- Travel expenses for a carer, where necessary
The support can also apply when children remain at home and require care.
Applicants must provide a budget outlining the anticipated expenses in advance.
What Should the Application Include?
Applicants are required to submit their application in English.
The application should include:
1. Project Title and Description
Provide the title of the proposed project and a brief description explaining what you intend to develop during the residency.
2. Motivation
Explain why the selected Swiss destination is professionally relevant to your artistic practice.
Applicants should demonstrate how the residency could contribute to their professional development and artistic work.
3. Desired Residency Period and Destination
Applicants should indicate:
- How long they would like to stay
- Their preferred destination in Switzerland
4. CV and Portfolio
Applicants must provide a professional CV and portfolio demonstrating their experience and artistic track record.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed against several criteria.
Pro Helvetia looks for applicants who demonstrate:
Professional experience: A strong portfolio and established track record in their field.
Connection to their cultural scene: Applicants should be actively involved in the cultural scene of their region.
Professional motivation: The selected Swiss destination should have a clear connection to the applicant’s artistic practice.
Project quality: The proposed artistic project or research idea should create opportunities for exchange between Switzerland and the applicant’s country of residence.
Communication: Applicants need sufficient knowledge of English or a Swiss language for effective communication.
Who Cannot Apply?
The programme has specific exclusions.
Artists and cultural practitioners from countries outside the Pro Helvetia liaison offices’ areas of responsibility are not eligible.
Applicants who are currently enrolled in:
- School
- University curriculum
- Basic training
- Education programmes
are also not eligible for this funding.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 January |
| Application deadline | 1 March, 23:59 CET |
| Decision notification | Within four months |
| Earliest project start | The following year |
The source therefore indicates that applications submitted during a given year’s application window are for a residency taking place the following year. Applicants should check the current Pro Helvetia residency page for the applicable cycle before submitting an application.
Important Visa Information
Being selected for the residency does not automatically guarantee a visa.
Pro Helvetia states that it does not assume responsibility for approval of visa applications for artists or accompanying children, partners, family members or caregivers.
Applicants should therefore make their own arrangements and check the relevant Swiss immigration requirements if selected.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare their project proposal, motivation, preferred residency period and destination, CV and portfolio before submitting their application.
Official Pro Helvetia Residency in Switzerland page
Why Apply for the Switzerland Residency?
For eligible artists, the programme can provide more than financial assistance. Residents can gain access to a Swiss cultural environment, work with a local cultural professional, and develop connections with artists and cultural institutions.
The programme is particularly suited to practitioners who already have a professional track record and have a clear project or research idea that can benefit from an international exchange.
Final Thoughts
The Switzerland residency programme 2026 is an opportunity for eligible artists and cultural practitioners to spend up to three months working at a partner institution in Switzerland. The programme provides accommodation, travel costs and daily allowances, while additional support may be available for workspace, production materials and childcare-related expenses.
Applicants should have a strong professional portfolio, a clear artistic or research proposal and a compelling reason for connecting their work with the Swiss cultural sector.
Because the programme’s application deadline is 1 March at 23:59 CET and the earliest project start is stated as the following year, prospective applicants should carefully confirm the applicable residency cycle before applying.
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