Here ! Am
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- Here ! Am
Here! Am offers opportunities and services to support artists with refugee and migration experience who have recently relocated to Switzerland. Here ! Am encourages these artists to pick up on their artistic career as fast as possible. They enrich Switzerland in terms of divers aesthetic, cultural, political and social perspectives.
WHY HERE ! AM?
With Here ! Am artlink aims to...
- increase the participation of artists with migration experience in the cultural landscape of Switzerland (e.g. in cultural productions, expert commissions, juries, boards, etc.) and expand their fields of opportunities
- strengthen cultural management and network competences of artists with migration experiences
- engage the local public with divers aesthetics and cultural perspectives
- raise awareness within the cultural landscape of Switzerland to the needs and production realities of artists with migration experience
WHO IS HERE ! AM FOR?
Are you a professional artist? Did you recently relocate to Switzerland? Is it a challenge for you to decode the local cultural landscape? Are you not sure how to realise your projects or how to find access to a professional network?
Then Here ! Am is for you!
WHO DOES HERE ! AM PARTNER UP WITH?
Here ! Am regularly partners up with different cultural organisations in Switzerland. Current partners include: artFAQ Zürich, Bureau des Compagnies Geneva, Kompass Bern, KulturHub Basel, IG Kultur Luzern, Helvetiarockt
Check out our different opportunities and join Here ! Am now!
CONNECT! offers you the opportunity to meet and exchange with peer artists and to network with other stakeholders from the field of arts and cultures.
Events
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MEETING POINT #14: OPEN
Bündner Kunstmuseum, Chur15.11.2025 | 11:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for a visit of the exhibition of Leiko Ikemura "Das Meer in den Bergen" at the Bündner Kunstmuseum and a shared meal in Chur.
Leiko Ikemura (born 1951) is a Japanese-Swiss artist who explores in her paintings and sculptures the transitions between humans and nature. Leiko Ikemura grew up on the coast of Japan and moved to Europe in 1972. After spending time in Spain, she moved to Switzerland in 1979 and later lived in Cologne and Berlin. In 1989, she retreated to the mountains of Graubünden for a year to work, during which time she underwent a radical reorientation. Inspired by her direct experiences of nature, she allows humans and their existential questions to merge into an infinitely appearing cosmos in her paintings.
With the exhibition at the Bündner Kunstmuseum, Ikemura returns to the region where her painting once underwent a transformation. In the exhibition, she once again combines opposites such as loss and renewal, change and rootedness into a whole. By combining painting, sculpture, and film projection, she creates a space in which the sea lies above the mountains and time dissolves.
Learn about the exhibition and Bündner Kunstmuseum: -
MEETING POINT #13: CLOSED
Translocal Performance Festival Giswil/ Turbine Hall Giswil13.09.2025 | 12:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for one day at the Translocal Performance Festival Giswil.
The 24th festival edition carries the title «Im Handumdrehn» — loosely translated «in the blink of an eye». The festival's curators practice hopefulness, embrace serendipity, and celebrate the agility with which even the most entrenched situations can shift in an instant. Artists from Switzerland, Germany, and Vietnam open up spaces for artistic encounters. The focus lies on practices and strategies that operate outside of institutional spaces, confront social issues, and question everyday rituals.
The programme includes a series of sight-specific performances at Turbine Hall in Giswil and a dinner (12:00 - 18:00). There is an option to stay for the evening programme that ends at 21:30.
The festival was created in 1998 by Ruedi Schill and Monica Günther specifically for the site of the Turbine Hall at Giswil.
Learn about the Translocal Performance Festival Giswil:
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MEETING POINT #12: CLOSED
far° Nyon / La Soliderie, Nyon09.08.2025 | 17:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for a shared meal and the performance The Moon in Your Mouth by Samah Hijawi (Belgium / Palestine) in frame of far° Nyon festival.
Samah Hijawi explores in her work the kinship between human and non-human beings through astrology and food. Accompanied by an olive tree – a powerful symbol of the Palestinian people – and a gathering of familiar plants, Samah invites us to taste the flavours of the Middle East while gently and poetically mapping the cosmology of the ancient world.
far° festival et fabrique des arts vivants, also known as far° Nyon, takes place every summer in Nyon in August since 40 years. It presents projects by artists from the contemporary performing arts scene, both in Switzerland and abroad. The programme includes performances, theatre productions, exhibitions and open-air concerts, as well as workshops, meetings and debates.Learn about the performance and far° Nyon:
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MEETING POINT #11: CLOSED
Belluard Bollwerk / Forteresse, Fribourg04.07.2025 | 20:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for a shared meal and a music performance Animacy or A Breath Manifest by Vica Pacheco (Oaxaca/ Brussels) at Forteresse in the frame of the Belluard Bollwerk Festival in Fribourg.
In her piece Vica Pacheco bridges the realms of animism, ritual, and technology through an evocative sound performance. Drawing inspiration from pre-Columbian Mesoamerican whistling vessels – ceramic instruments that produce sound using air and water – Vica has developed a series of hydraulic ceramic sculptures that serve as both sonic and sculptural works. The performance unfolds as an immersive sonic experience, where she utilizes her body and breath to animate these ceramic vessels, transforming them into an orchestra of voices that blur the line between human and non-human.
Vica Pacheco performance is a part of the 42nd edition of Belluard Bollwerk Festival that takes place every summer over the course of ten days in Fribourg. Through performance, dance and theatre, visual arts, film and installation, music, literature, critical thinking and multiple forms between and beyond disciplines, the festival aims to be an inspiring and convivial space devoted to the love for the arts, to unfamiliar and radical approaches, and aesthetics.
The performance starts at 22:00 and lasts 45 min.
Learn more about the performance and Belluard Bollwerk:
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MEETING POINT #10: CLOSED
ONO Das Kulturlokal, Bern16.05.2025 | 18:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for an apéro and the literature & dance performance The Voll Frau by Camilla Gomes dos Santos and Adriana Carlota at ONO Das Kulturlokal in Bern. The group will meet at 18:00. The performance starts at 20:00.
“Voll Frau” describes the life of a woman through a cycle of poetry that is not only recited but also embodied by an actress. The entire life from birth to death is portrayed, dealing with childhood, youth, love, loss, dreams and other states. The viewer is not only made aware of this through language and speech, but also through the personified inner life of the woman. The dance performed by a dancer reflects emotions, abysses and flights of fancy that cannot always be described in words. Words and movement are not always in balance, which does not mean that the movement cannot accompany the words. The evening is a long poem with musical interludes and acting and dance performances.
ONO Das Kulturlocal is the oldest small theater in Bern located in the heart of the old town. It is an important place in the recent history of the Bern's cultural scene.
Learn about the performance and ONO:
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MEETING POINT #9: CLOSED
Kunsthaus Biel Centre d’art Bienne, Krone Couronne, Lokal-int / Biel12.04.2025 | 11:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for a visit to three important contemporary art venues in Biel: Kunsthaus Biel Centre d’art Bienne (KBCB), Krone Couronne and Lokal-int.
At KBCB we are going to see two exhibitions: "Divided Staff" by a British-American artist Susan Hiller and "Nashville" by a Swiss artist Denis Savary. The Kunsthaus Biel is one of the most important Swiss institutions for contemporary art and promotes current artistic creation with its regional, national and international exhibitions.
Krone Couronne and Lokal-int are two independent spaces for contemporary art with exciting programme focusing on the local scene as well as nurturing critical dialogue between artists from all over the country and beyond. Representatives of both places will show us their ongoing projects.
We cover travel expenses (retour), entry tickets to the venues & invite for a lunch.
Learn more about each of the venues:
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MEETING POINT #8: CLOSED
Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst, Zürich15.03.2025 | 11:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for a visit of the exhibition "Accumulation - on Collecting, Growth, and Excess" at the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst and a shared meal in Zurich.
The consequences of excessive growth are becoming ever more visible – and awareness of it is constantly increasing. Yet progress, prosperity and social status continue to be equated with the accumulation of material goods. "Accumulation" invites visitors to engage with the challenges of and alternatives to excess.The exhibited works with their differing perspectives encourage reflection on the challenges of constant growth and invite discussions about visions for a society centred around the common good, environmental responsibility, and social justice.
The Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst has been discussing the pressing issues of our time, since it was established in 1996, inspired by the approaches and works of international contemporary artists.
Learn about more the museum & exhibition:
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MEETING POINT #7: CLOSED
Bee Flat, Bern15.12.2024 | 18:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for a shared meal and the concert by Dandara Modesto & Edwin Correia at Bee Flat/Turnhalle, Progr, Bern.
Two young musicians, singer & multidisciplinary artist Dandara Modesto (BR/CH) and guitarist & composer Edwin Correia (FR/BR) will play contemporary Brazilian music.
Learn about the concert and Bee Flat:
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MEETING POINT #6: CLOSED
Les Creatives, Geneve25.11.2024 | 17:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTartlink and Helvetiarockt are jointly organizing an informal exchange and networking round on 25th of November 2024 with a walk to Les Creatives Festival, an aperitif at the venue and then listening to music together.
Learn more about the festival: -
MEETING POINT #5: CLOSED
Jungkusnt, Winterthur26.10.2024 | 11:30JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for a shared meal and the 18th Jungkunst Festival in Winterthur.
Jungkunst is a four-day exhibition presenting works by young Swiss artists from all styles: from painting and photography to objects, street art, video, installations, performances and everything in between. Concerts, culinary delights, theatre sports and dance make the exhibition a multifaceted art festival for art lovers and newcomers alike.
The old industrial hall becomes a place of enjoyment for a wide audience but also a springboard for artists' careers. Young artists from all over Switzerland show their works. Visitors can stroll between large-scale objects, moving images, photographs and small, delicate paintings.
Learn about more the festival:
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MEETING POINT #4: CLOSED
Neues Theater Dornach, Dornach29.08.2024 | 18:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for a shared meal and the object theater and performance After All Springville by Miet Warlop (Belgium) at Neues Theater Dornach.
With After All Springville, a crazy theatre happening lands in Dornach. The protagonists: an elegant running table that wants nothing more than to be set, a man who wants to take out the rubbish, a frustrated fuse box, a smoking house and a very long pair of trousers. Together we experience big and small dramas with varying degrees of slapstick and disaster potential. With the lightness of a comic film, the performance tells the tragic story of a failed community. Director and visual artist Miet Warlop has been populating international stages for over 20 years with her absurdly colorful characters, vivid objects and spectacles of form and color.
After All Springville is a part of the Theaterfestival Basel programme. The Theaterfestival Basel takes place every two years and brings highlights from dance, theatre, performance and music.
Learn about the performance and the Theaterfestival Basel:
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MEETING POINT #3: CLOSED
Galerie Durchgang, Basel14.06.2024 | 16:30JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for a shared meal and the panel discussion & networking in the frame of the "[W]Here Now" exhibition at the Galerie Durchgang organized by Afrinova as a part of HerirtageConcept24 program in Basel.
The "[W]Here Now" group exhibition is an interdisciplinary showcase by 11 African & diasporic artists exploring the theme of "living waters" as a symbol and vessel of our collective narratives, histories, and futures.
The international panel of invited creatives & experts will share their knowledge on the role of art & heritage. The panel will discuss the theme of Art X Community and the emergent modes of curation and artistic development derived from a community-centred approach.
HeritageConcept24 invites to experience Africa’s rich artistic heritage uniquely positioned at the intersection of an evolving community, creative industry and global dialogue. The innovative space taps into the interconnected culture of creativity & heritage through an interdisciplinary experience of exhibitions, art archival tours, panel talks and workshops during ArtBasel week.
Learn more about the exhibition and HeritageConcept24:
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MEETING POINT #2: CLOSED
Bad Bonn Kilbi, Düdingen30.05.2024 | 15:00JOIN THE MEETING POINTartlink and Helvetiarockt are jointly organizing an informal exchange and networking round on 30 May 2024 with a walk to the Bad Bonn Kilbi, an aperitif on the grounds and then listening to music together.
Learn more about the festival:
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MEETING POINT #1: CLOSED
Bühne Aarau, Aarau21.04.2024 | 18:30JOIN THE MEETING POINTJoin us for a shared meal and the music & dance performance The Spotlight by Astronata at Bühne Aarau.
Singer and performer Nata Smirina and musician and DJ Ilya Misyura have been living in Aarau for a year and a half. They fled the war in Ukraine. After a period of uncertainty and agony, they reinvented themselves with "The Spotlight". In their musical theater, they are looking for a way to regain their inner light when they have lost it.The Spotlight is an interactive stage performance that gets to the heart of the uncertainties of our media-influenced present with soulful electronic music, powerful images and touching texts - and makes it clear how important it is to adopt your own perspective on the path to inner light.
Learn about the performance and Bühne Aarau:
The artlink Directory is a digital gateway for artists, mostly from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe living and working inside and outside of Switzerland.
The artlink Directory is for you! As an artist, it helps you:
- Showcase your work to relevant audiences
- Expand social and professional networks through a community of support
- Connect with peers and potential collaborators
- Keep in touch with contacts you may have met through artlink
- Gain access to professional development opportunities
How can I join the artlink Directory, you might ask? All you need to do is submit an application. Sign up today, it’s free!
LEARN! offers you digital workshops and physical exchanges to learn more about the funding landscape of Switzerland, your legal rights and must-do's as an artist working in Switzerland. LEARN! strengthens your entrepreneurial skills such as writing application and so on.
artFAQ is the production platform for dance, theatre and performance in the region of Zürich. artFAQ gathers and shares knowledge based on practical experience.
In the Bureau des Compagnies artists can come and ask questions, get advice and also meet other artists and build their network.
KOMPASS is a free advisory platform that supports artists in realising their visions and ideas. With this low-threshold offer, the contributors want to help as many artists as possible to put their plans into practice.
KulturHub answers all your questions about projects and budgets, the organisation of an association, submission deadlines, concept letters, and much more.
IG Kultur Luzern is the competence center for cultural matters in Luzern and Central Switzerland.
Events
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WORKSHOP / ONLINE #12: General information on setting up and managing a cultural association in Switzerland
Online10.11.2025 | 17:00REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE WORKSHOP #12Join us for an online workshop on the topic:
Le Bureau des Compagnies offers an introduction to the administrative procedures involved in setting up an association and the day-to-day management of an organisation in the cultural sector: why set up an association? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What are the first steps to take ? What does the day-to-day management of an association entail ?The workshop will alternate between presentations and discussions with participants.
The workshops duration: 120 min
The language: French
Workshop leader: Pauline Steiner & Marc-Erwan Le Roux, Bureau de Compagnies, Geneva
Places in the group are limited
Registration deadline: 2nd of November 2025 -
WORKSHOP / ONLINE #11: Legal working statuses in the culture sector
Online20.10.2025 | 17:00REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE WORKSHOP #11Join us for an online workshop on the topic:
Legal working statuses in the culture sector.Switzerland is a diverse and vibrant country, making it a fertile ground for cultural work. However, for young artists or those new to administrative processes, navigating this landscape can be challenging. Creating an association is beneficial as it provides a legal structure, facilitating project management and fundraising. Calculating fair salaries and building a budget are crucial; ensure your budget supports rather than hinders your work. Navigating author’s rights with SUISA/SSA is essential for protecting your creations. Securing the necessary insurances shields you from potential risks. Finally, networking is vital; it opens doors to collaboration, funding, and opportunities in the Swiss cultural scene.
The workshops duration: 120 min.
The language: German / English.
Workshop leaders: Susanne Ernst, KulturHub, Birsfelden (Canton of Basel-Land) & Greta Krulyte, lawyer with a lot of experience in the cultural sector, particularly the visual arts.
Places in the group are limited.
Registration deadline: 17th of October 2025 -
WORKSHOP / IN-PERSON #10: Cultural Associations: From Creation to Management
The Valais School of Art / EDHEA09.10.2025 | 14:00REGISTER FOR THE IN-PERSON WORKSHOP #10Join us for an in-person workshop on the topic:
Cultural Associations: From Creation to Management.
The Bureau des Compagnies is offering a workshop to explore the key steps involved in setting up a cultural association, along with the basics of managing one in the arts sector. Why create an association? What are the benefits and limitations? What are the first steps to take? And in practical terms, what does running an association actually involve on a daily basis? The workshop will alternate between theoretical input and interactive discussions with participants.The workshop will start with an introduction about the Valais School of Art.
The workshop duration: 3 hours ( 14:00 - 17:00)
The language: French / EnglishThe workshop leaders: Marc-Erwan Le Roux, Bureau de Compagnies, Geneva; representatives of the Valais cultural sector.
The workshop is free of charge. The number of places in the group is limited.
The travel expenses to/from Sierre will be covered.
Registration deadline: 25th of September 2025
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WORKSHOP / ONLINE #9: Budgeting, financial planning and funding bodies for cultural projects in Switzerland.
Online29.09.2025 | 17:00REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE WORKSHOP #9Join us for an online workshop on the topic:
Budgeting, financial planning and funding bodies for cultural projects in Switzerland.
Using real-life budgets, financing plans are developed and funding opportunities at federal, cantonal and municipal level, in the foundation sector or with organisations are explored. Research techniques and tools are demonstrated, along with their application and initial preparations for submission.
The workshops duration: 120 min
The language: German / English
Workshop leader: Marie Theres Langenstein, Kompass, Bern
Places in the group are limited.
Registration deadline: 19th of September 2025 -
WORKSHOP / ONLINE #8: How to prepare a dossier
Online01.09.2025 | 17:00REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE WORKSHOP #8Join us for the online workshop on the topic:
How to prepare a dossier
A written concept is usually a prerequisite for project funding. But what criteria are used to assess this dossier, what can I look out for, how do I put my ideas on paper in a way that is easy to understand and how do I meet the requirements? We will use various techniques to find initial formulations together and encourage you to put your ideas on paper. In addition to formulating the concept, we will look at the other dossier components (budget, schedule, etc.).The workshops duration: 120 min
The language: German / English
Workshop leader: Nani Khakshouri, artFAQ, Zürich
Places in the group are limited
Registration deadline: 24th of August 2025 -
WORKSHOP / IN-PERSON #7: On the Geneva arts scene and the framework conditions for working in the cultural sector in Switzerland.
Geneva, Théâtre du Grütli - Scène du Haut30.06.2025 | 14:00REGISTER FOR THE IN-PERSON WORKSHOP #7Join us for an in-person workshop on the topic:
General information on the Geneva arts scene and the framework conditions for working in the cultural sector in Switzerland.
What programming venues, events, professional organisations and public and private cultural institutions are particularly active in Geneva? How do these structures interact? As an artist, how do you get in touch with them and develop your network ? What are the administrative requirements for receiving renumeration?
Alternating formal presentations, discussion sessions and practical workshop, the Bureau des Compagnies offers an overview of Geneva's artistic scene in the visual arts, music, theatre and dance, as well as a cross-sectional presentation of the salaried and self-employed systems.The workshop duration: 3 hours ( 14:00 - 17:00)
The language: French / English
The workshop leaders: Marc-Erwan Le Roux, Bureau de Compagnies, Geneva; Camille Dumond, Visarte, Geneva & Raphaël Ortis, Fédération Genevoise des Musiques de Création.
The workshop is free of charge. The number of places in the group is limited.
Registration deadline: 19th of June 2025 -
WORKSHOP / IN-PERSON #6: Funding Bodies & How To Apply
Aarau, Theater Marie27.06.2025 | 13:30REGISTER FOR THE IN-PERSON WORKSHOP #6Join us for an in-person workshop on the topic:
Funding Bodies & How To Apply
Funding agencies for cultural projects in Switzerland. Who they are, where to find them and how to apply for support.Switzerland, as a federalist country, offers a diverse landscape of funding opportunities, varying by canton and municipality. This workshop provides an overview of the key funding bodies at the federal, cantonal, and communal levels, as well as private foundations and organizations that offer project support.Participants will gain insights into research techniques, funding instruments, and how to effectively use them. The workshop also guides participants through the process of preparing for a successful funding application—from developing a written concept (a prerequisite for most funding opportunities) to assembling and structuring a complete project dossier.Through practical examples, hands-on exercises, and expert tips, you will learn how to tailor your application for maximum impact and understand the best practices for submission.Please bring a laptop and your project ideas, if available, to make the most of this interactive session.
The workshop duration: 3 hours ( 13:30 - 16:30)
The language: German / EnglishThe workshop leader: Marie Theres Langenstein, Kompass, Bern
The workshop is free of charge. The number of places in the group is limited.
Registration deadline: 19th of June 2025
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WORKSHOP / IN-PERSON #5: Funding Bodies & How To Apply
Schlachthaus Theater, Bern23.05.2025 | 14:00REGISTER FOR THE IN-PERSON WORKSHOP #5Join us for an in-person workshop on the topic:
Funding Bodies & How To ApplyFunding agencies for cultural projects in Switzerland. Who they are, where to find them and how to apply for support.
Switzerland, as a federalist country, offers a diverse landscape of funding opportunities, varying by canton and municipality. This workshop provides an overview of the key funding bodies at the federal, cantonal, and communal levels, as well as private foundations and organizations that offer project support.
Participants will gain insights into research techniques, funding instruments, and how to effectively use them. The workshop also guides participants through the process of preparing for a successful funding application—from developing a written concept (a prerequisite for most funding opportunities) to assembling and structuring a complete project dossier.
Through practical examples, hands-on exercises, and expert tips, you will learn how to tailor your application for maximum impact and understand the best practices for submission.
Please bring a laptop and your project ideas, if available, to make the most of this interactive session.The workshop duration: 3 hours ( 14:00 - 17:00)
The language: German / English
The workshop leader: Marie Theres Langenstein, Kompass, Bern
The workshop is free of charge. The number of places in the group is limited.
Registration deadline: 15th of May 2025 -
WORKSHOP / ONLINE #4: Art & administration
Online25.11.2024 | 17:00REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE WORKSHOP #4Join us for an online workshop on the topic:
Art & administration: How to navigate independent cultural projects in Switzerland.
Switzerland is a diverse and vibrant country, making it a fertile ground for cultural work. However, for young artists or those new to administrative processes, navigating this landscape can be challenging. Creating an association is beneficial as it provides a legal structure, facilitating project management and fundraising. Calculating fair salaries and building a budget are crucial; ensure your budget supports rather than hinders your work. Navigating author’s rights with SUISA/SSA is essential for protecting your creations. Securing the necessary insurances shields you from potential risks. Finally, networking is vital; it opens doors to collaboration, funding, and opportunities in the Swiss cultural scene.
The workshops duration: 90 min
The language: German / EnglishWorkshop leaders: Susanne Ernst, KulturHub, Birsfelden (Canton of Basel-Land) & Greta Krulyte, lawyer with a lot of experience in the cultural sector, particularly the visual arts.
Places in the group are limited.
Registration deadline: 4th of November 2024
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WORKSHOP / ONLINE #3: Working in the cultural sector in Switzerland
Online18.11.2024 | 17:00REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE WORKSHOP #3Join us for an online workshop on the topic:
General information and administrative procedures for working in the cultural sector in Switzerland.
The Bureau des Compagnies offers an overview of the current Swiss administrative framework regarding of work permits, legal status, and social insurance: what are the general principles of Swiss policy in this area? What special features have been put in place for the cultural sector? This presentation will be illustrated with case studies, followed by a Q&A with a Geneva-based specialist who supports people in migration situations.The workshops duration: 90 min
The language: French / English
Workshop leader: Marc-Erwan Le Roux, Bureau de Compagnies, Geneva
Places in the group are limited
Registration deadline: 27th of October 2024
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WORKSHOP / ONLINE #2: How to prepare a dossier
Online04.11.2024 | 17:00REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE WORKSHOP #2Join us for an online workshop on the topic:
How to prepare a dossier.
A written concept is usually a prerequisite for project funding. But what criteria are used to assess this dossier, what can I look out for, how do I put my ideas on paper in a way that is easy to understand and how do I meet the requirements? We will use various techniques to find initial formulations together and encourage you to put your ideas on paper. In addition to formulating the concept, we will look at the other dossier components (budget, schedule, etc.). We will also focus on how you can make your dossier suitable for the recipient.
The workshops duration: 90 min
The language: German / EnglishWorkshop leader: Nani Khakshouri, artFAQ, Zürich
Places in the group are limited
Registration deadline: 13th of October 2024
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WORKSHOP / ONLINE #1: Funding bodies for cultural projects in Switzerland
Online21.10.2024 | 17:00REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE WORKSHOP #1Join us for an online workshop on the topic:
Funding bodies for cultural projects in Switzerland. Who they are, where to find them and how to contact them.
As a federalist country, Switzerland has different funding bodies depending on the canton. The workshop shows which sponsors at federal, cantonal and municipal level, which private foundations and organizations can be approached for funding. Information will be provided on research techniques and tools as well as the use of tools and initial preparations for project submission.The workshops duration: 90 min
The language: German / English
Workshop leader: Marie Theres Langenstein, Kompass, Bern
Places in the group are limited.
Registration deadline: 6th of October 2024
WORK! is set up in partnership with various Swiss cultural institutions, offering opportunities to further develop your artistic practice and to present your work.
Events
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RESIDENCY #6: FAR° NYON
Submission deadline16.11.2025 | 00:00LEARN MORE ABOUT FAR° NYONHERE ! AM @ THE RESIDENCY FAR° NYON
Here ! Am Residency for cultural practitioners with migration & refugee experience who recently moved to Switzerland.
Since 1984 far° Nyon is known for its live arts festival which takes place each August for ten days. The aim of the festival is to present projects by artists from the contemporary performing arts scene from Switzerland and abroad. Audiences can see circus and dance performances, theatre productions, performances, exhibitions and open-air concerts, as well as taking part in group discussions such as workshops and audience meetings. Since 2018, far° has two temporalities; its activities extend from September to July under the name of fabrique des arts vivants, whose main axes are support for creation – and more specifically for emerging contemporary artists – hosting artist residencies, long-term artistic accompaniment as well as mediation and cultural participation initiatives.
The residency at far° Nyon seems particularly interesting for artists who:- Situate their work in live arts (dance, performance, theatre, circus).
- At the beginning or middle of the career.
- Need little technical support for the residency (please note the description of the space below).
- A plus could be: the selected artist focuses on work that can be integrated into the territorial and social context (participatory projects, in situ works) and/or is concerned with ecological and social sustainability and the questions of care.
Please note that basic knowledge of at least one of the following languages is mandatory for all applicants: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish.
➜ Submission deadline: 16.11.2025
➜ Residency duration: 12.01.- 12.02.2026
➜ To apply send your letter of motivation and CV in English or French to anastasia.alexandrova@artlink.ch➜ The grant includes: the space of Salle des Marchandises, a 130m2 studio with wooden floor and daylight (no light system); an option to install a simple sound system; access to the little workshop without heating; the possibility of an open sharing on February, 12th ; small production budget, per diems and travel expenses in Switzerland during the residency time.
Find more information about the space of Salle des Marchandises:
https://far-nyon.ch/en/fabriqu...
PLEASE NOTE: THE GRANT DOES NOT COVER ACCOMMODATION IN NYON.
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RESIDENCY #5: KULTURHAUS VILLA STRÄULI
Submission deadline16.11.2025 | 00:00LEARN MORE ABOUT KULTURHAUS VILLA STRÄULIHERE I AM @ KULTURHAUS VILLA STRÄULI
Here I Am Residency for cultural practitioners with migration & refugee experience who recently moved to Switzerland.
Founded in 1999, Villa Sträuli is an independent, non-profit contemporary art center in the city of Winterthur dedicated to supporting artistic practice, facilitating exchange and encouraging interdisciplinary work through an international Artist in Residence Programm, public programming and collaborations. It welcomes artists from all disciplines but also curators and art critics. Villa Sträuli promotes artistic creation, experimentation, production, and dissemination of contemporary art. Our team of professionals is focused on developing strategies for collaboration and the integration of residents into various networks and platforms in the city of Winterthur and Zurich, as well as on finding opportunities for residents to anchor in new areas.
Villa Sträuli's guiding objectives are to:
- Facilitate access to exchange, partnerships, resources and networks- Nurture cross-disciplinary knowledge.
- Enhance artists’ careers by providing them the opportunity to explore a new artistic context, market, community, and culture.
- Develop strategies for collaboration and inclusion of residents in various national platforms, while building a network of practitioners and professionals in the field to new opportunities for collaboration in Zurich and beyond.
- Build sustainable partnerships that support artists’s career path, development, and future international artistic activity.
Please note that basic knowledge of at least one of the following languages is mandatory for all applicants: English, German.➜ Submission Deadline: 16.11.2025
➜ Residency duration: 08.01.- 08.04.2026
➜ To apply send your letter of motivation and your CV & portfolio in English or German to anastasia.alexandrova@artlink.ch
➜ The grant covers accommodation at one of three bright, renovated, and autonomous studios that are all provided with a living and working space, a small kitchen, a bedroom (double bed) plus shower/WC; per diems and travel expenses to/from the residency inside of Switzerland. -
RESIDENCY #4: BOTAKI FACTORY, ZÜRICH
Submission deadline15.09.2025 | 00:00LEARN MORE ABOUT BOTAKI FACTORYHERE ! AM @ BOTAKI FACTORY, ZURICH
Here ! Am Residency for cultural practitioners with migration & refugee experience who recently moved to Switzerland.
The Botaki Factory & HERE ! AM Art Residence is a program that supports contemporary artists with migration & refugee experience to spend a month in residence at Botaki Factory. Participant will have time to focus on their practice and develop a new project conceived during the residency. The residency seeks to stimulate the creation of new works, including experimental pieces, spontaneous collaborations and the generation of ideas. At the end of it, the selected artist will have a curated art exhibition showcasing works developed during the time at Botaki Factory. This will be an opportunity for the public to view the completed works or works in progress.
The Residency
The selected artist is offered a studio space in a supportive environment for resettling the mind by breaking away from routine to enhance creativity. The month long program encourages peer interaction. The residency will take place at Botaki Factory, an artist run collective and a decentralized contemporary art platform. Located in Zurich and providing an easy access to urban inspiration, nearby art galleries, art supply shops, museums, artist studios, major institutions, and cultural networks. The proximity of these cultural spaces can fuel crosspollination that will allow the selected artists to explore or ‘plug in’ and create connections with diverse Zurich’s creative pulse and informal conversations that often lead to future collaborations. The selected artist will be welcomed into a shared space of presence, dialogue and creativity. The residency is a curated experience with emphasis on contemporary art practice at the intersection of artistic vision and collective resonance. The artist in residency will also participate in informal program of excursions to galleries, museums, artists studios and informal gatherings to foster dialogue with other art professional spaces.
Applicant profile:- Professional and emerging contemporary visual artist
- Primary residence must be in Switzerland
- Minimum 5 years of artistic practice
- Good knowledge of English and / or German.The selected artist is expected to be driven and use their initiative to ensure a successful residency as well as to engage with Botaki Factory’ wider artistic and cultural context.
➜ Submission deadline: 21.09.2025➜ Residency duration: 15.10.- 15.11.2025
➜ To apply send a clear and concise artist’s statement describing your artistic practice (max 250 words), CV/Resume including relevant exhibitions if any (max 2 pages),
artistic portfolio (max 10 images of recent or past work, with captions and short description if possible), motivational letter, all compiled in one document (PDF) in English or German to anastasia.alexandrova@artlink.ch
➜ The grant includes: a private studio with a shared working space; art supplies budget for the full duration of the residency; use of the of all the facilities; exhibition space; curated art exhibition at the end of the programme (content and format to be discussed during residency); artist talk - a roundtable conversation with the artist and invited guest; arranged studio visits or open studio day; mentorship – by artists, curators and a researcher; networking and social atmosphere; per diems and travel expenses during the residency time in Switzerland.PLEASE NOTE: THE GRANT DOES NOT COVER ACCOMMODATION IN ZURICH.
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RESIDENCY #3: PROZESS, BERN
Submission deadline31.03.2025 | 00:00LEARN MORE ABOUT PROZESS, BERNHERE I AM @ PROZESS, BERN
Here I Am Residency for cultural practitioners with migration & refugee experience who recently moved to Switzerland.
PROZESS is a cultural venue that offers space for contemporary art with a focus on research and production. It supports artists from the fields of music, theater, dance, literature, film and visual arts. At its core are national and international residency programs, calls for research and production, tryout stage, steady gig series and other formats. Artists and cultural mediators are offered space for new cultural formats.
Besides the public venue, PROZESS is offering a studio, mainly equipped to work on sound but multifunctional in its use. Both the studio and the venue are located in an artist-friendly environment with other artists & creatives (musicians, film makers, architects, curators, developers). In the same building PROZESS owns a small but cozy one room artist apartment with a shared kitchen & bathroom. We support our residents with our network in the local art scene.
With this residency we want to provide space for your research and practice as an artist in the fields of visual arts, performance, music, film and literature. The program may offer a new and different perspective on existing works, practices, ideas. The call is not based on a specific project, however it will help us knowing a bit on what you want to work and what you require to make your stay the best way it can be. At the end of your stay we encourage you to share your work in a public moment, be it a performance, exhibition, reading, concert.
Your profile:- You have a convincing track of record in the arts
- You work independently on your projects
- You are looking for a calm place to work and a basic setup for your practice, adapted to your specific needs
- You are willing to share your work in our venue to a public at the end of your stay.
Please note that basic knowledge of at least one of the following languages is mandatory for all applicants: English or German.
➜ Submission Deadline: 31.03.2025
➜ Residency duration: 02.06.- 01.07.2025
➜ To apply send your letter of motivation and your CV & portfolio in English or German to anastasia.alexandrova@artlink.ch
➜ The grant covers accommodation at a small one room artist apartment with a shared kitchen & a bathroom; per diems and travel expenses to/from the residency inside of Switzerland. -
RESIDENCY #2: KULTURHAUS VILLA STRÄULI
Submission deadline17.11.2024 | 00:00LEARN MORE ABOUT KULTURHAUS VILLA STRÄULIHERE I AM @ KULTURHAUS VILLA STRÄULI
Here I Am Residency for cultural practitioners with migration & refugee experience who recently moved to Switzerland.
Founded in 1999, Villa Sträuli is an independent, non-profit contemporary art center in the city of Winterthur dedicated to supporting artistic practice, facilitating exchange and encouraging interdisciplinary work through an international Artist in Residence Programm, public programming and collaborations. It welcomes artists from all disciplines but also curators and art critics.
Villa Sträuli promotes artistic creation, experimentation, production, and dissemination of contemporary art. Our team of professionals is focused on developing strategies for collaboration and the integration of residents into various networks and platforms in the city of Winterthur and Zurich, as well as on finding opportunities for residents to anchor in new areas.Villa Sträuli's guiding objectives are to:
- Facilitate access to exchange, partnerships, resources and networks
- Nurture cross-disciplinary knowledge
- Enhance artists’ careers by providing them the opportunity to explore a new artistic context, market, community, and culture
- Develop strategies for collaboration and inclusion of residents in various national platforms, while building a network of practitioners and professionals in the field to new opportunities for collaboration in Zurich and beyond
- Build sustainable partnerships that support artists’s career path, development, and future international artistic activity.➜ Submission Deadline: 17.11.2024
➜ Residency duration: 08.01.- 05.04.2025
➜ To apply send your letter of motivation and your CV & portfolio in English or German to anastasia.alexandrova@artlink.ch
➜ The grant covers accommodation at one of three bright, renovated, and autonomous studios that are all provided with a living and working space, a small kitchen, a bedroom (double bed) plus shower/WC; per diems and travel expenses to/from the residency inside of Switzerland.
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RESIDENCY #1: CONNECT&CREATE @ WOERDZ & NEUBAD, LUZERN
Submission deadline30.06.2024 | 00:00LEARN MORE ABOUT WOERDTZ FESTIVAL & RESIDENCYCONNECT&CREATE - Residency for Exiled Spoken Word Artists
What is CONNECT&CREATE?
CONNECT&CREATE is a residency program by woerdz, Neubad Luzern and artlink. It gives exiled authors the opportunity to concentrate on their workin the studio apartment at Neubad Luzern from 30 September to 17 November 2024.
The spoken word festival woerdz takes place from 23 to 26 October 2024 and presents around 60 artists from the field of spoken word. It is the sixth edition of the festival. During the residency, woerdz and Neubad serve you as networking and presentation partners.
Who is CONNECT&CREATE for?
The residency program is for artists who left their home countries and are currently living in Switzerland in exile. In particular, the residency grant is reserved for authors from the field of spoken word, authors with a great interest in a performing their own texts or artists from other disciplines who are interested in staging their literature. For the stage and not thepage is our credo.➜ Submission Deadline: 30.06.2024
➜ Residency duration: 30.09.- 17.11.2024
➜ To apply send the following documents in English, German or French to residency@woerdz.ch: letter of motivation and a brief description of your current work, documentation of work including text samples or links to websites or videos, your CV.
➜ The grant includes: living in a studio flat at Neubad Lucerne, invitation to woerdz - The Spoken Word Festival in Lucerne (a performance at the festival is not guaranteed), free access to the cultural program at Neubad Lucerne, support from woerdz and Neubad Luzern staff (networking, organisation etc.), a flat-rate financial contribution for additional expenses during the residency (CHF 50 / day).
Events
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INTERNSHIP #1: MAXIM! THEATER, Zurich
Submission deadline18.09.2024 | 00:00MAXIM! THEATER➜ Submission Deadline: 18.9.2024
➜ Internship duration: 23.9.-30.11.2024
➜ Send your letter of motivation & a brief description of your current work situation; portfolio of theater & set-design works including photos, web-links and videos; CV in English / German to anastasia.alexandrova@artlink.ch
Please note: your application should not exceed seven A4 pages.
➜ Internship compensation includes a monthly honorarium and travel expenses inside of Switzerland.
HERE & TOGETHER: INTERNSHIP FOR THEATER MAKERS WITH MIGRATION EXPERIENCE IN ZURICH
Zurich-based MAXIM! Theater famous for its work with migrants and non-professionals, creating a vivid theater community over the years. In 2024-2025 its main production will be “Gleichzeit” - a performance based on the stories of migrants and non-professionals from all over the world. The production team of the piece also includes migrant artists of various backgrounds coming to Switzerland from Finland, France and Russia.
The premiere of the production will take place in Zurich on the 29th of November 2024.
Your work area:
● You will concentrate on the set-design of the production: either scenography or costumes or visual effects or the light or some of the above mentioned elements together.
● You will get to know the independent performing arts scene in Zurich and expand your network.
Your profile:
● You are an emerging artist or an established professional of migration background, currently based in Switzerland.
● You are familiar with the theater scene and design and help with the whole setting.
● You speak English or German.
● You are ready to be in Zurich at least once a week and available for online meetings, weekend rehearsals and final rehearsals on 21-28 of November 2024.
Here ! Am is supported by the Federal Integration Credit (SEM).