OVERVIEW

The Residency in South Asia is part of the international residency programme hosted by Pro Helvetia – Swiss Arts Council. The programme supports artistic exchange by enabling cultural practitioners to undertake research-based residencies at partner institutions across South Asia.

The residency prioritises cultural dialogue, experimentation, and long-term collaboration, offering time and space for artists to develop ideas within a new regional context rather than focusing on production outcomes.

Residency Duration: Up to 3 months.

Residencies take place with partner organisations across countries including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Vietnam.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Open to professional artists and cultural practitioners (individuals or duos).

Applicants must be:

• Based in Switzerland, or
• Based in countries covered by Pro Helvetia liaison offices (including South Asia & Vietnam, among other regions).

Eligible disciplines include:

• Visual arts (including architecture & photography)
• Performing arts
• Music
• Literature
• Design (including game design)
• Transdisciplinary practices
• Applicants must demonstrate an active professional practice with national or cross-regional reach.
• Students are not eligible.
• No age limit applies.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are submitted through the Pro Helvetia online funding portal.

Applicants submit:

• Project or research proposal
• Motivation letter outlining goals and relevance of location
• Portfolio and professional track record
• Preferred residency context (optional)
• Residency placements are matched by Pro Helvetia after selection to ensure alignment between the artist’s practice and host context.

BENEFITS

The residency programme provides:

• Accommodation during the residency
• International travel expenses
• Daily allowance / living stipend
• Professional guidance and institutional support
• Possible access to workspace (upon request)
• Contributions toward production or material costs (limited)
• Optional childcare support for artists with families
• The programme primarily supports exchange, research, and networking, not full production funding.

DURATION

Residency length: Up to 3 months.

Residencies typically prioritise exploration, collaboration, and contextual immersion rather than finished outputs.

DATES AND DEADLINES

Application Period: 1 January – 1 March (annually)

Selection Results Finalised: by July

Residency Takes Place: the following calendar year after selection

SELECTION FOCUS

• Applications are evaluated based on:
• Strength of artistic practice and track record
• Relevance of proposed cultural exchange
• Potential for collaboration and networking
• Clarity of research or artistic intention