Currently 3 active open calls open to applicants in Switzerland, across AI, arts, film, journalism, research, tech and cross-disciplinary practice. Hand-curated and updated weekly. Almost every entry is funded; a few notable unpaid open calls and festival submissions are included as clearly flagged exceptions. Browse the list below, or use the interactive desk for filtering and shortlisting.
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Visions du Réel, the Oscar-qualifying documentary festival in Nyon, takes films for its feature and short competitions (world, international or European premieres only; shorts up to 30 minutes) and projects for its industry strands: VdR Pitching, Work in Progress and Rough Cut Lab. Final deadline 15 December 2026.
Pro Helvetia supports presentations outside Switzerland of contemporary artists, photographers and architects from Switzerland, with applications generally made by the host institution or festival. WHO: established cultural institutions and organisers with international reach based outside Switzerland; exhibitions normally run at least four weeks, which does not apply to festivals and similar events. WHAT IS FUNDED: transport and insurance, equipment rental, materials for temporary artworks, fees for the participating artists, photographers and architects from Switzerland, and their economy-class travel (no accommodation). TIMELINE: requests up to CHF 25,000 can be submitted year-round with a decision within eight weeks; CHF 25,001 to 50,000 year-round with a decision within four months; over CHF 50,000 by 1 March, 1 June, 1 September or 1 December. Projects need a clear connection to Switzerland, and only complete, on-time applications are considered. APPLICATION: via the Pro Helvetia online portal. DEADLINE: rolling (fixed dates for requests over CHF 50,000).
Pro Helvetia funds thematic group exhibitions of design from Switzerland and knowledge exchange at public specialist events abroad, such as symposia and round tables, organised by institutions outside Switzerland. WHO: recognised design institutions and established festivals or design weeks outside Switzerland. WHAT YOU GET: up to CHF 10,000 for transport and insurance costs and economy-class return travel for participants from Switzerland (accommodation not covered). APPLICATION: year-round via the Pro Helvetia online portal; the project can start eight weeks after submission and decisions come within eight weeks. DEADLINE: rolling.