CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2026
“PORTO SICURO!”
We need safe places.
Continuously artists and creative professionals find their livelihoods threatened, whether by massive austerity measures, hostile attitudes, political parties that marginalise them, discrimination or even war.
Switzerland has long been a country where peace reigns and which has repeatedly become a place of refuge. In the last century, Ticino offered not only guest workers but also artists a place to settle, move forward and build something new.
The 2026 call for applications for “Porto sicuro!” is aimed at artists, cultural workers and creative professionals who are looking for security, stability, peace or perhaps even a way out. Individuals or collectives who want to leave their current situation behind in order to find peace in a new place are encouraged to apply. During their residency, the house and its garden should provide an opportunity to gather their thoughts, find their bearings, start new conversations, take a fresh look at things or continue their work. Sasso is a safe haven where you don’t have to function, but can simply be. Develop new perspectives, start conversations, spin ideas, reinvent yourself – or simply carry on in peace.
We are looking for applications that explain why you want a safe haven in a concise letter of motivation of no more than one A4 page or a video of no more than 5 minutes. The letter or video should address the following points as specifically as possible:
- What is your plan for the residency in relation to ‘Porto sicuro!’?
- What will you be working on? How will you establish a connection to the house, the surroundings, nature, the garden and the local community?
- Description of your own artistic and creative practice: What characterises your working method? Which socio-political aspects are important to you in this context?
Hard facts / formalities:
- Application deadline: 31 December 2025 / by email to mail@sasso-residency.ch
- Max 1 A4 page (max 1,800 characters) or 5-minute video & Application Form
- Application fee: 30 CHF per individual / 60 CHF per group
- Slots available:
I. 2 May–28 May 2026
II. 31 May–26 June 2026
III. 5 September–1 October 2026
- Depending on availability, we will find ways to provide support with formalities, organisation, networking in Switzerland with artists, institutions, foundations, funding departments, etc.
- Living expenses will not be covered. If you are unable to pay any of the costs incurred, please contact us.
- The house will be allocated to several people who will jointly take responsibility for the house and garden. A minimum of 2 hours of gardening per week is compulsory.
- Invited residents undertake to plan their outward and return journeys using public transport for journeys of up to 12 hours. Air travel is to be strictly avoided.
- The allocation or rejection will be communicated by email at the end of January 2026 – we ask for your patience.
Selection jury: Yvonne Dünki, Anna Kanai, Oliver Roth, Jessica Schmid, Sabina Winkler, 1-2 external persons