Organizer Information
The Albert Koechlin Foundation (AKS) is a Swiss foundation supporting cultural and social initiatives in Central Switzerland. Through the “Atelier X” research grant, the foundation supports professional artists and cultural practitioners in developing their artistic practice through individually designed periods of research, creative work, travel, or artistic retreat.
Title & Description
Atelier X Research Grant
Research Grant “Atelier X” provides professional artists and cultural practitioners with funding to create dedicated time and space for artistic development. The grant is not tied to a specific studio and allows recipients to design their own project and choose their destination, either in Switzerland or abroad.
Proposed projects may include a longer period away from everyday life, research or work stays, deepening skills within an established artistic discipline, or creating space for artistic development. The primary purpose is artistic advancement rather than the production of an already existing work.
Applicants must clearly explain their personal motivation, proposed destination, objectives, expected artistic impulses, and the relevance and urgency of the planned stay or research.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Performing Arts
- Music
- Literature
- Film and Cinema
- Photography
- Design
- Other professional artistic and cultural disciplines
The call is open to professional artists and cultural practitioners from all disciplines.
Eligibility
Applicants must be professional artists or cultural practitioners who:
- Have had their legal residence or business address in Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Uri, or Schwyz since at least January 1, 2024.
- Contribute through their artistic practice to the cultural landscape of Central Switzerland.
- Can demonstrate a professional artistic track record.
A purely thematic connection to Central Switzerland is not sufficient.
The call does not accept scientific or research projects, study or diploma projects, event or production funding, funding for already existing works, or additional funding for other studio grants that already include living-cost support.
Program Benefits & Awards
Each selected recipient normally receives CHF 10,000–20,000. Outstanding applications may receive up to CHF 25,000. There is no minimum grant amount.
The grant can support expenses associated with the planned artistic stay, including travel, accommodation, rent, courses or further education, childcare, and an appropriate artist fee. The jury may also consider contributions toward ongoing costs at the applicant's existing place of residence/work and loss of earnings, taking the applicant's own contributions into account.
Recipients must arrange their own accommodation, facilities, insurance, and any local support.
A special social-security benefit is available: if part of the AKS development grant is paid into the recipient's personal restricted pension provision, AKS provides an additional matching contribution, up to 6% of the development grant, subject to proof of payment.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 October 2026
- Jury decision: Beginning of December 2026
- Award event: 17 February 2027
- Grant implementation period: January 1, 2027 – November 30, 2028
- A longer implementation period may be permitted in justified exceptional cases.
Location
Albert Koechlin Foundation in Lucerne, Switzerland
Additional Details
Selection is conducted by an independent expert jury. Artistic quality is the primary criterion, alongside professional experience, relevance and urgency of the proposed research or stay, ecological sustainability, potential for artistic development, professional potential, resonance and future exploitation of the project, and its significance for Central Switzerland.
Applicants should address the ecological necessity and sustainability of travel, including resources and means of transportation. If the same project is submitted to multiple funding bodies, this must be disclosed.
Selected recipients must sign an agreement with AKS and submit a final report. Significant changes to the approved project must be communicated to the foundation in advance and may result in a reduction or withdrawal of the grant.