"Innovation is not restricted to technology, nor is it confined by the conventional margins of art"
swissnex Boston facilitates the promotion of such innovation when art, science and technology collide. Travelling exhibits on daylighting, typography and industrially designed solar cells, among myriad other Swiss conceptions, acquire a platform from swissnex Boston on which they can reach new audiences.
From these new audiences, artists of every style can build networks of area contacts. In collaboration with swissnex San Francisco and other Swiss consulates and embassies worldwide, we link the Swiss cultural output to local institutions with the help of Swiss universities supported by Prohelvetia, swissfilms and local partners.
In so doing, we advance Switzerland’s reputation in art and design. Using the 2009 Design Preis Schweiz (Design Award Switzerland) exhibit as a starting point, for instance, swissnex Boston led the conversation with curators, artists, heads of design schools and art professors. In this way, Swiss nation branding takes on a whole new dimension.
Recent projects
“Sunny Memories,” inspired by flexible, colored solar cells invented by EPFL Prof. Michael Graetzel, fused solar technology and industrial design. This collaboration by EPFL and ECAL Lab was coordinated by swissnex San Francisco and brought to Harvard by swissnex Boston.
“Beyond Helvetica: A look at the power of typography” probes the ways in which typography has been radically transformed by the variety of contemporary media. The exhibition was led by ECAL and is on tour across the USA.
“Delight in Greener Daylight” placed swissnex Boston in the spotlight, literally. A class project and exhibit led by then MIT professor Marilyne Andersen (now at EPFL), it studied the daylighting of the swissnex Boston office façade.
The tradition of classical art forms also thrives at swissnex Boston. In supporting film, swissnex Boston brings Swiss movies and their directors to major local film festivals. We host vernissages and exhibitions while also organizing concerts both to delight local audiences and reconnect with resident Swiss nationals.
Recent events
Young Swiss talent Luisa Splett staged a piano concerto at swissnex Boston under the theme “Inspiration Switzerland.” She performed a combination of pieces by Emil Frey, Frank Martin, Alexander Skrjabin and Franz Liszt, all composers related to Switzerland.
Going beyond the music halls, swissnex Boston sponsors the Make Music Harvard Square Festival: a vibrant street fair replete with professionals and amateurs of every music scene that heralds the start of the New England summer.
Building on an ongoing relationship, swissnex Boston sponsors the annual Boston Jewish Film Festival. The outstanding works of Switzerland’s filmmakers are previewed before an ever-mounting and diverse audience.
Contact
Andreas Rufer, Deputy Director, is happy to answer your questions.
Swiss partners
Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Art Council, promotes cultural endeavors of nationwide interest. Together with swissnex Boston, it supports the transatlantic cultural exchange.
The SwissFilms Foundation is the promotion agency for Swiss filmmaking. Together with swissnex Boston, it strengthens the visibility of Swiss filmmaking in Boston by promoting films and directors.
Local partners
The Goethe-Institute is the international cultural arm of the German government. It promotes knowledge of the German language abroad and fosters international cultural cooperation.
The French Cultural Center of France’s Boston mission ensures the vibrant growth of the French language and Francophone cultures in New England.
The Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts fosters Italian language and culture by promoting a awareness of Italian achievements in the arts, literature, science and industry.
Actual collaborations
Berklee College of Music reflects the state of music and the music business, using a widening network of industry professionals to diversify its portfolio.
The Lab at Harvard is a new forum and platform for idea experimentation in the arts and sciences at Harvard University.
The Institute of Contemporary Art offers public access to art, artists, and the creative process.
The MIT Museum hosts interactive exhibitions, public programs, experimental projects and its renowned collections that showcase the fascinating world of MIT.
