The project
The art residency of the fifth Switzerland is a cultural exchange project for Swiss artists living abroad. The aim is to establish a platform in Brunnen on the Auslandschweizerplatz (Swiss expatriate square) that serves as an artistic link to Switzerland. Since 2016, a young Swiss expatriate has been invited to Brunnen every two years to work on site for at least four weeks. This is accompanied by a public programme at the Auslandschweizerplatz, which offers insights into the artistic work and promotes cultural exchange with the local population.More information about the past residencies
Anniversary 2026
The tenth anniversary in 2026 presents an opportunity to establish the art residency of the fifth Switzerland as an important cultural institution and raise its profile beyond Central Switzerland to the rest of the country. After a successful decade, the programme will be further developed through strategic partnerships with the aim of expanding its reach throughout Switzerland. To this end, the Centro di Cultura e d'Arte Ascona, an established name in the Swiss art landscape with the Galleria Sacchetti and its own art residency programme, will take over the running of the art residency of the Fifth Switzerland from the anniversary year onwards.
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We are looking for a Swiss artist living abroad with a focus on sculpture. The core phase of the residency, lasting at least four weeks, will take place in Brunnen between the beginning of June and mid-August. To emphasise the nationwide scope of the project, additional phases may take place at locations on the Furka Pass or in Flims. The Auslandschweizerplatz Foundation is responsible for the content and structure of the project.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Centro di Cultura e d’Arte Ascona (CCAA), which is responsible for its operational implementation. The project is also supported by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), which is making its communication channels available and thus helping to raise awareness within the Swiss community worldwide.
The call for applications will start on 22 August 2025 as part of Swiss Community Days. Young Swiss artists living abroad with a focus on sculpture are invited to apply by 9 November 2025. A jury consisting of at least two members of the Auslandschweizerplatz Foundation, a representative of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (ASO) and one or two experts from the cultural sector will decide on the award of the residency in December 2025.
