Le UBS Foundations for Culture, Social Issues and Education They have allocated a total of 145 francs to ten initiatives developed in Ticino. The grants, awarded during the last two evaluation sessions, cover a variety of fields: from historical research to literary production, from heritage conservation to music, and even programs dedicated to youth inclusion and support.
This initiative confirms the UBS Foundations' role in supporting projects that contribute to Switzerland's cultural and social development. "We are proud to be able to contribute to the realization of these valuable cultural and social projects in Ticino, thanks to our Foundations, which have been passionately dedicated to the well-being of society throughout Switzerland for over sixty years," said Luca Pedrotti, Regional Director of UBS Ticino.
Cultural heritage between mountains, archives and restorations
Among the projects selected by the UBS Foundation for Culture is that of the Pro San Gottardo Foundation of Airolo, recipient of a contribution of 25 thousand francs for the exhibition Echo. The call of the mountain (Echo. Der Berg ruft zurück).
The exhibition, hosted by the National Gotthard Museum, is a collaboration with the Swiss Alpine Museum (ALPS) in Bern and offers a reading of the Gotthard massif through sound as well as visual elements. The aim is to offer a different perspective on the relationship between territory, memory, and the acoustic perception of the mountain. The exhibition will be open throughout the summer.
An additional grant of 5 francs was awarded to the Archivio Donne Ticino ADT in Massagno for the digitization of its archive collections. The initiative aims to make historical materials related to the presence and role of women in Ticino society more accessible.
Literature and new artistic productions
In the literature sector, two projects received awards. The ChiassoLetteraria Association received 10 francs for the 2026 edition of the literary festival, an event dedicated to writing and the exchange between authors, readers, and international cultural institutions, scheduled for March 6-10, 2026.
The work of the Locarno writer Alessio Pizzicannella for the novel was also selected with a support of 10 thousand francs Au-DelàThe work recounts the complex bond between a sculptor and a mysterious woman, developing themes of desire, loneliness, memory, identity, art, and failure.
The protection of the historical testimonies of the territory
The UBS Culture Foundation has also allocated resources to the protection of monuments and archaeology.
The Muggio Valley Ethnographic Museum in Cabbio will receive 10 francs for the restoration of the roof and facades of the Casa Cantoni, a building significant to the region's architectural and rural history.
A larger grant, amounting to 15 francs, was awarded to the Prada Foundation in Bellinzona for the preservation and enhancement of the medieval settlement of Prada, a site of historical interest that bears witness to the area's past.
Documentary cinema and contemporary music
In the documentary film sector, the project was supported with 15 thousand francs Caucasus by Susanne Kaelin, produced by the company Cinédokké Sagl of Savosa.
Music is represented by the Rainer Maria Rilke Festival 2026, promoted by the Friends of the Teatro del Tempo Association of Vacallo, which has received funding of 10 francs. The event will feature world premieres of compositions by Daniel Glaus, Beat Furrer, Michael Jarrell, and Mario Pagliarani.
Social investments between inclusion and training
In addition to its cultural initiatives, the UBS Foundation for Social Issues and Education has selected two projects dedicated to integration.
The Radio Gwendalyn Association of Chiasso will receive 15 francs for the production of the radio program Ariadne's thread, planned for 2026 and aimed at people with visual impairments.
A grant of 30 thousand francs was instead awarded to the Paolo Torriani Foundation for Minors in Mendrisio for the professional integration program Contreebuto, intended for the period 2026/2027. The project aims to support young people who encounter difficulties in accessing the labor market by offering guidance and placement tools.
