A study commissioned by the Pro Helvetia arts council finds women are underrepresented across much of the cultural sector, especially when it comes to music.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/dos
The study, the first of its kind, notes that “women are notably underrepresented, both at the level of strategic and artistic direction as well as on the stage and in exhibitions”, according to a statement on Wednesday by Pro Helvetia.
The study was carried out by the Centre for Gender Studies at the University of Basel, after being commissioned by Pro Helvetia and the Swiss Centre for Social Research.
The researchers looked at performance art (dance and theatre), music, literature, and visual arts, and found that numbers vary widely across disciplines.
More
More
Women artists struggle for visibility in Swiss museums
This content was published on
Male artists far outnumber their female counterparts in Swiss art museums, our research shows.
While some 55% of directors or heads of literature institutes and associations are women, in the music business “there’s not a single women with a role at such a level”.
The music sector is especially striking, the report found, especially when it comes to solo performances. Female rock, pop, or jazz musicians make up between 9% and 12% of concert performances in those genres; in classical music this climbs to 34%.
Women are also strongly underrepresented when it comes to roles in artistic direction or as creators of operatic works, which also means they win less prizes as a result. The study also found that there is a much lower presence of women in concerts and theatre performances, as well as at public readings and exhibitions.
“The results show that, when it comes to equal opportunities between men and women in the cultural sector, there is still a huge amount to be done, said Seraina Rohrer, a member of Pro Helvetia’s board. For her, this initial research need to be widened and long-term measures adopted. Pro Helvetia plans to present such a demand soon to the Federal Office of Culture.
More
More
Women still struggle to break top ranks in Swiss firms
This content was published on
Women represent half of employees in non-management levels in Switzerland, but promotion rates between men and women remain unequal.
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Swiss investigate four people linked to Russian oligarch
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland is investigating four individuals linked to Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov.
Swiss government scrambles to deal with egg shortage
This content was published on
From September 1, more eggs intended for consumption may be imported into Switzerland. In allowing this, the government wants to secure the supply of eggs for consumers.
This content was published on
Agricultural research sees new development opportunities for Swiss sparkling wines in the face of declining wine consumption. In a survey, half of consumers expressed a willingness to pay more for local products than for foreign ones.
Locarno spotlights filmmakers from South America and Caribbean
This content was published on
The Open Doors section of the Locarno Film Festival has named the winners for 2024. The spotlight is on the South American and Caribbean regions.
Storm paralyses trains to popular Swiss tourist resort
This content was published on
The railway line between Zweilütschinen and Grindelwald in central Switzerland is expected to remain closed until Friday following heavy rains.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
From yodel to bebop
This content was published on
Gabriela Martina left the Lucerne countryside to study jazz in the US. Today, the vocalist and composer teaches at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
This content was published on
This year Swiss museums are drawing attention to women artists and their work, many of whom have been forgotten over the years.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.