CFAs: Studio Visit Visual Arts Support Program (Switzerland)

Pro Helvetia (Swiss Arts Council) offers support for studio visits where artists, photographers, and architects exchange ideas with curators or other relevant experts. The opportunity provides a maximum grant of CHF 1,500 for up to two meetings (fee and some travel costs included as specified) and accepts applications open year-round. The earliest project start date is eight weeks after submitting the application. The Studio visit programme supports professional, purposeful meetings where artists, photographers, and architects exchange ideas with curators or other experts relevant to the applicant’s specific project. The exchange is expected to be coherent and focused on topics that will be discussed during the studio visit. Pro Helvetia also notes that, in addition to specific programme criteria, the general requirements for funding apply (including complete and timely submissions and a clear connection to Switzerland). Pro Helvetia provides a maximum grant for up to two meetings of CHF 1,500. The financial contribution includes the following: Not specified in the source: whether the grant must be requested for exactly two meetings, whether partial support for fewer meetings is possible, and how travel costs are calculated beyond the travel/transport categories listed. A connection to Switzerland exists if at least one of the following is met: To be eligible for support, projects must: Pro Helvetia applies the following additional exclusions for the Studio visit format: The studio visit should support structured professional exchange focused on the applicant’s project. The programme’s specific selection criteria emphasize: This opportunity is designed for practitioners who want structured dialogue with curators and other experts connected to their work. By focusing on coherent topic presentation, justified expert selection, and the potential for deeper exchange or new networks, Studio visit support can help applicants strengthen professional development through targeted, project-relevant consultation. The source provided does not include step-by-step submission instructions (such as what form to use, exact document upload requirements beyond the listed content, or the submission URL). Readers should follow the official application workflow on the Pro Helvetia Studio visit page.

What the source specifies:

Not specified in the source: the exact application submission method (e.g., online portal vs. email), whether attachments are required in specific formats, and whether there are additional documents under “general requirements” beyond those listed. What is the Pro Helvetia Studio visit programme? It supports meetings where artists, photographers, and architects exchange ideas with curators or other experts relevant to their specific project. How much funding can I receive? The maximum grant is CHF 1,500 for two meetings. This includes CHF 300 fee per participant and per meeting plus public transport costs, and for experts with a permanent contract (60% or more) only travel expenses are covered. Is there a deadline to apply? The submission deadline is open year-round. The source does not provide a specific closing date. When can my project start? The earliest start date is eight weeks after submitting the application. How long does it take to get a decision? Pro Helvetia’s notification timeline is within eight weeks. What does my application need to include? The source lists CVs of the participants and a justification aligned with the selection criteria, including a perspective on the professional objective of the exchange. Are there any format-specific exclusions? Yes. Contact between the artist and expert must be established and confirmed before submission, and applicants can submit no more than 2 applications per person per year. Review the official Pro Helvetia Studio visit guidance on the programme page to confirm any application workflow details not included in the source (such as submission steps and required formats). Then prepare a complete application that clearly addresses the listed criteria—especially expert contact confirmation, coherence of topics, and the professional objective of the exchange—before submitting during the open year-round period.