Pro Helvetia Launches “Shared Future”, an Open Call for Russian Curators

Pro Helvetia Moscow launches an open call for applications to support a two-stepped development of projects consisting of an online research, followed by the ensuing project realization in online, offline or hybrid format. Applications can be submitted by curators based in Russia who lack knowledge of the Swiss contemporary art scene and who would like to both accumulate such knowledge and receive support for their immediate implementation.

Despite the continuing uncertainty and limited mobility, the need for in-depth knowledge and personal connection with the Swiss art scene during the design phase of the project remains essential. Thus, a short-term curatorial online research with the help of a Swiss coach and the subsequent implementation of the projects can be an important step to establish close contacts between Russian curators and their Swiss colleagues and the Swiss contemporary art field.

We are looking for applications from curators and curatorial groups in Russia, who are active in visual arts, design, interactive media, music, literature, performing arts and interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary fields.

Pro Helvetia Moscow will cover expenses related to the services of the professional coach for the time of the online research and contribute to the project expenses, not exceeding 10,000 CHF in total per supported application (including both the research phase and ensuing project realization).

An important feature of the “Shared Future” open call is the opportunity to identify Swiss participants after the approval of curatorial ideas.

Criteria:

• Curators and curatorial groups from Russia are eligible to apply
• One application per project
• Applications should focus on a specific project contributing to the cultural exchange between Russia and Switzerland and having long-term impact
• Applications should clearly spell out the goals of both the research and ensuing project, along with the budget breakdown (including contribution of Pro Helvetia not exceeding 10 000 CHF)
• Applicants are supposed to invest according to their possibilities. These investments do not necessarily have to be monetary, and must be declared and explained
• Applicants must demonstrate several years of experience in their artistic field and an interest in developing their idea implying deep connection with Swiss art scene to establish networks and find appropriate forms of elaborating and preparing intercultural projects in drastically uncertain times
• Applicants should follow all recommended measures of protection against COVID-19 for the safety of all project participants
• The online research phase can last up to 3 weeks
• The ensuing project should be fulfilled until October 1, 2022

Pro Helvetia will not cover the following costs:

• institutional salaries, office rentals, purchase of institutional equipment or devices, as well as the costs of operating cultural facilities and archives
• project which are part of a school or university curriculum/basic training, or continuing education programme closed to the public (including dissertations, diploma projects, university scholarships, etc.)

Applications are accepted in English only until September 1, 2021.

To apply click here

We are looking forward for your ideas and ready to discuss them before you apply. You are welcome to send your questions to moscow@prohelvetia.ru