In the Swiss cultural landscape—and in Ticino in particular—the issue of funding cultural projects remains one of the most complex issues for those who fuel the arts scene with initiatives, performances, educational programs, and socially beneficial activities. Many independent ventures are born from strong personal motivation, but struggle to structure a business model that allows for long-term continuity, resilience, and planning capacity.

Lucerne University of Applied Sciences has decided to address this need by offering a new intensive program, taught in German, scheduled for March 2026: Kulturfinanzierung neu gedacht (Kulturfinanzierung neu gedacht ). The six-day training program is aimed at a broad and diverse audience, from freelance artists to employees of small cultural organizations to public officials responsible for cultural promotion. Students and recent graduates in cultural disciplines—as well as professionals from social work, education, or urban planning—will also find the program a valuable opportunity to consolidate or expand their skills.

Context and new challenges in culture

In recent years, pressure on public resources and the progressive evolution of project evaluation criteria have required a shift in approach. The ability to interpret new scenarios, structure reliable financial models, and diversify sources of support has become essential for any cultural initiative, whether small or interregional.

Program Director Marino Bundi emphasizes how training and method can make a difference: "In a context of limited public resources and evolving funding criteria, strategic expertise and mastery of financial instruments are key factors for success. Our course integrates the fundamentals of economic management with a deep understanding of cultural practice."

An interdisciplinary and pragmatic approach

One of the most important elements of the Hochschule Luzern program is its interdisciplinarity. The presentations will span various professional fields: academics, cultural promotion specialists, project management experts, and representatives of public administration. The dialogue between neighboring disciplines—such as education, urban development, and the design of social spaces—will offer tools for understanding the territory, understanding needs, and developing culturally relevant and financially sustainable projects.

The curriculum addresses central themes

Fundraising and alternative financing

Traditional support requests remain important, but today they're not enough. The course will analyze mixed models that include private fundraising, sponsorships, participatory models, and innovative financing methods.

Planning and management of complex projects

Budgeting, cost monitoring, management control, and impact evaluation are skills required not only by funders, but also by partners and the public.

Professional networks and peer exchange

In addition to the theoretical part, the program's promoters have planned opportunities for exchanging experiences, networking, and building professional relationships that can prove beneficial in the long run. The immediate transfer of skills into daily practice is a key component.

Accessibility and affordable costs

The University of Lucerne has chosen to maintain affordable tuition fees to encourage the participation of even small organizations and independent professionals, who are often penalized by the costs of traditional training programs. The goal is to contribute to the professionalization of the cultural sector and strengthen the local and regional cultural infrastructure.

For further information and registration:
https://www.hslu.ch/de-ch/wirtschaft/weiterbildung/kurzprogramme/ifz/kulturfinanzierung-neu-gedacht/