Pro Helvetia is mandated by the Confederation to foster artistic creativity and cultural exchange in Switzerland and encourage the spread of Swiss culture abroad. Its work is complementary to the canton's and communes' support for the arts. It supports projects with a Swiss connection which are of general national interest. It does this via a network of Pro Helvetia cultural centres and liaison offices abroad, and in its own programmes.

Pro Helvetia is a public-law foundation funded by the state but with independent decision-making powers. Its remit is defined in the Cultural Promotion Act. The Federal Council sets the foundation's strategic goals for a four-year term and the Parliament approves the funds for this period.

 
Director: Andrew Holland