Rethinking cultural financing - planning, financing and implementing cultural projects

Cultural and charitable projects are often the result of great passion - but many initiatives lack a structural and financial basis. Freelance artists and smaller organizations in particular face the challenge of planning their projects professionally, financing them sustainably and implementing them effectively in the long term.

The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is addressing this need with a new specialist course that will take place in March 2026. The six-day course is aimed at a diverse target group: freelance artists, cultural professionals in small and medium-sized organizations, project managers in cultural institutions and people who are entrusted with cultural promotion in public administration. Students and graduates of culture-related degree programs who are preparing for a career in cultural management will also find a practical introduction here. Representatives from related fields - such as social work, education or urban development - also benefit.

Program director Marino Bundi emphasizes: "In an environment of tight public budgets and changing funding logics, strategic know-how and sound financing skills are decisive success factors. Our course combines business fundamentals with a deep understanding of cultural practice."

Interdisciplinary orientation

A particular added value lies in the interdisciplinary orientation of the program. Participants learn from experienced experts from academia, cultural funding, project practice and public administration. The content ranges from the acquisition of funding and alternative forms of financing to the management of complex projects. The following guest contributions are planned:

• Panel discussion on initiation, planning and management of cultural projects with Dr. Karin Schick, Director Hilti Art Foundation and Mirjam Varadinis, freelance curator Kunsthaus Zürich
• Guest lecture on budgeting and financial planning of cultural projects by Danièle Gross, Member of the Lucerne Festival Management Board
• Guest lecture on the framework conditions for cultural promotion by Aldo Caviezel, Head of Cultural Promotion Office, Canton of Zug
• Guest presentation on fundraising by Sibylle Spengler, Managing Director and owner of fundtastic
• Guest presentation on the acquisition of funding by Philip Kramer, Kramer Philantropy Consulting
• Panel discussion on fundraising with foundations and patrons with Anne Schwöbel, entrepreneur and lawyer, Ulrike Erbslöh, Managing Director Fondation Beyeler and Dr. Corinne Sotzek, Ernst Göhner Foundation

In addition to imparting knowledge, the course offers space for collegial exchange and networking. The direct transfer of what has been learned into practice is an integral part of the concept.

The participation fees are deliberately kept low to enable smaller organizations and freelancers to participate. The course is intended as a contribution to strengthening the cultural infrastructure and professionalizing an industry that deserves guidance in financing issues and strategic support.

Application deadline: February 13, 2026

Costs: CHF 1900.-

Contact us

Marino Bundi, Program Manager Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
marino.bundi@hslu.ch

Further information and registration at:

https://www.hslu.ch/de-ch/wirtschaft/weiterbildung/kurzprogramme/ifz/kulturfinanzierung-neu-gedacht/