Helmhaus Zürich

The Helmhaus is a cultural institution run by the City of Zurich. It is housed in a historical building in the heart of the old city, where it shows four to five exhibitions per year. What makes the Helmhaus unique is that since its change of programme in 1988 and again in 2001, it has been the only art institution in Zurich to be dedicated primarily to local contemporary art. Some 100–150 artists exhibit works in all media at the Helmhaus every year. This showcasing of local art is also a way of supporting local artists, who often produce new works specially for its exhibitions. The Helmhaus generally provides financial support for such new works, and the artists receive a fee for their contributions to its shows. Its summer exhibition of works that have received a City of Zurich art grant offers an overview of the art currently in the making that the Fine Arts department has deemed worthy of support.