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Pro Helvetia

Hirschengraben 22
8024 Zürich

+41 1 267 71 71
+41 1 267 71 06

http://www.prohelvetia.ch/Home.20.0.html?&L=4
info (at) pro-helvetia.ch

Abstract:
Pro Helvetia, the Arts Council of Switzerland, supports and organises art shows, documentary exhibitions on cultural aspects of Switzerland, book exhibitions, screenings of Swiss films, and tours by theatre and dance troupes, orchestras and ensembles from all areas of music.In all these fields Pro Helvetia works both with the Swiss diplomatic service and with domestic and foreign institutions. The Council's own publications illuminate historical and contemporary aspects of Swiss culture.In Switzerland itself, Pro Helvetia encourages literary and creativity, and supports domestic cultural animation programmes. Cultural exchange between the country's own linguistic regions is one of its prime concerns.Pro Helvetia was founded in 1939, shortly before the Second World War. In view of the fascist threat, it was important at the time to emphasise the value and significance of Swiss culture.Today Pro Helvetia's work at home and abroad is defined by other priorities: promoting the arts and furthering cultural dialogue and exchange.The activities of Pro Helvetia, a foundation under public law, are regulated by federal legislation. Every four years the federal Parliament in Berne fixes the Council's budget. But, though funded by the federal government, Pro Helvetia is an autonomous agency.Pro Helvetia supports cultural initiatives and exchange at home and abroad in accordance with a law in force since 1965.The four objectives mandated by it are:· maintaining and preserving the nation's cultural character; · promoting creativity in Switzerland on the basis of the energies at work in the cantons, linguistic regions and prevailing cultural groupings; · encouraging domestic cultural exchange between the linguistic regions and cultural groupings; · fostering cultural foreign relations.