Call for applications: Pro Helvetia Synergies Grants

The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia invites applications for collaborative projects that connect Swiss cultural institutions with international partners, including those based in Africa, to explore the intersections of art and digital technology through meaningful, long-term partnerships.

The programme supports initiatives that promote knowledge exchange, artistic experimentation, and mutual capacity building across diverse geographic and cultural contexts. African organisations wanting to apply have to establish a partnership with a Swiss institution that would act as the main applicant.

Who can apply

Applications must be submitted by a Swiss cultural organisation (e.g. art venue, festival, cultural association) in partnership with at least one international organisation — such as an African cultural space, creative enterprise, arts nonprofit, or transdisciplinary collective — with:

• A convincing track record,

• The capacity to work internationally, and

• A clear approach to shared authorship and exchange.

  
  

Project criteria

• Focus on collaboration and knowledge-sharing at the intersection of art and digital technology.

• Equitable contributions and mutual impact across all partner organisations.

• Meaningful public engagement (e.g. exhibitions, toolkits, open-source projects, participatory formats).

• Environmental sustainability and responsible use of resources.

• Strong dissemination and visibility strategies, including digital formats.

  
  

Grant amount and coverage

• Grant range: CHF 30,000 – CHF 100,000 (USD 33,900 – USD 113,000)

• Pro Helvetia funding must not exceed 50% of the total budget

• Eligible costs include artist fees, travel, materials, facilitation, and implementation

• Infrastructural and core operational costs are not covered

  
  

Project duration

• Projects may run for up to 18 months, starting no earlier than February 2026.

  
  

Application requirements

• A concept note outlining goals, content, structure, and timeline

• Profiles of all partner organisations and artists, with clearly defined roles

• Signed letters of intent

• Budget and financing plan

• Public engagement and dissemination strategy

• Supporting documents (e.g. past project materials, media coverage)

All applications must be submitted via the Pro Helvetia application portal in English, or alternatively in German, French, or Italian.

Important dates

• Call opens: 1 March 2025

• Deadline: 1 October 2025, 23:59 (CEST)

• Decisions: January 2026

• Earliest project start: February 2026

  
  

For inspiration and matchmaking, applicants may consult the Art, Science and Technology Directory hosted by Pro Helvetia, which includes a range of international and Swiss organisations open to collaboration.

For queries, please visit www.prohelvetia.ch