Bishop takes over Pro Helvetia management

Philippe Bischof, former Head of the Department of Culture in the Presidential Department of the Canton of Basel-Stadt, takes up office today as Director of the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia. The Board of Trustees elected him as the new Director on April 3, 2017. Sabina Schwarzenbach, who has managed the foundation on an interim basis since November 1, 2016, is now returning to her previous role as Head of Communications as planned.

Since the Cultural Promotion Act and the first Cultural Message 2012 came into force, the Cultural Foundation's field of activity has changed somewhat. It has taken over new tasks from the Federal Office of Culture, including the promotion of young talent, art education, art biennials and Swiss appearances at international book fairs. In return, it has withdrawn its support for Swiss film promotion and publishing promotion, which have been transferred to the FOC.

For the period 2016 to 2020, Pro Helvetia is to strengthen Swiss artistic creation, cohesion at home and the international presence of Swiss culture abroad, among other things. Coordinated support for design and interactive digital media will also be provided under the heading "Culture and Business".