Arts outreach is a subject that has grown in importance in recent years in all European countries. This also applies to Switzerland, whether it be in artistic creation, promotion of culture or education.

However the number of questions raised by outreach is proportionate to the interest it arouses: what about its political mandate? What audience is it supposed to attract? Who is responsible for funding it? Does it come under education or culture? In 2011 and 2012 these questions will be the focus of four forums attended by national and international experts.

Organised by the Canton of Valais as well as the cities of Berne, Basle and Bienne in the framework of Pro Helvetia’s Arts and Audience Programme, these meetings were addressed primarily at the active decision-makers in the fields of education and culture. They were supported by the Mercator Foundation Switzerland.

9 September 2011, Centre Artistic and Cultural Centre of the Ferme-Asile, Sion

«Arts outreach. A need? For whom? For what?» (in French)

25 November 2011, Dampfzentrale Bern

«Arts outreach: a marketing measure or an impetus for change?» (in German)

20 January 2012, Literaturhaus Basel

«Will arts outreach save the world (of culture)?» (in German)

1st March 2012, Théâtre municipal de Bienne

«The eternal question: who funds arts outreach?» (in French and German)

More details on the subjects for discussion and partners can be found in the column on the right.