Swiss culture faces collapse as political battles drain vital funding
Swiss cultural professionals are grappling with growing uncertainty as political debates threaten their future. Estelle Revaz, president of Suisseculture, cautions that the sector's resilience is at its breaking point. The organisation is now advocating for stronger support, both financially and politically, to safeguard Switzerland's cultural landscape.
The ongoing negotiations over Bilateralen Abkommen III have largely overlooked culture, according to Suisseculture. While EU-Switzerland agreements are slated to be finalised by March 2026, cultural funding has already taken a hit. The recently approved Kulturbotschaft 2025–2028 framework saw cuts of 6.5 million francs to Pro Helvetia, despite its role in promoting Swiss arts.
Suisseculture is calling for full Swiss association with key EU programmes, including Creative Europe, Erasmus , and Horizon. These connections would provide vital funding and networking opportunities for Swiss artists and cultural initiatives. The group contends that without such links, professional cultural production in Switzerland could be severely weakened.
Beyond funding, Suisseculture is demanding better working conditions for cultural professionals. Fair wages, reliable fees, and social security protections—such as coverage for illness or accidents—are now urgent priorities. The organisation also emphasises the need for greater visibility of Swiss culture, both domestically and internationally, to ensure its long-term survival.
The calls from Suisseculture underscore the precarious state of Switzerland's cultural sector. With political discussions ongoing and funding already reduced, the group insists on stronger ties to European programmes and improved protections for workers. Without these measures, the future of professional cultural production in the country remains uncertain.
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