Gender equality in culture: a first in Ticino (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Conference 'What kind of culture?' in Lugano on May 5, 2026
• Numerous and attentive participation
• Need to address equal opportunities in the cultural sector

Key facts

• What: Conference on equal opportunities in culture
• When: May 5, 2026
• Where: Asilo Ciani, Lugano
• Who: DECS and Equal Opportunities Service of the State Chancellery
• Cost: Not yet specified

The first conference 'What kind of culture?' took place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Asilo Ciani in Lugano. It was organized by the Cultural Observatory of the Canton of Ticino of the Department of Education, Culture and Sport (DECS) and the Equal Opportunities Service of the State Chancellery. The event saw numerous and attentive participation, confirming a widespread interest and the need to address the issue of equal opportunities in the artistic and cultural sector in a structured way.

The opening speeches were given by Marina Carobbio Guscetti, State Councillor and Director of DECS, and Raoul Ghisletta, Municipal Councillor of the City of Lugano, who emphasized the importance of institutional commitment to building a more equitable, inclusive, and representative cultural system. The introductory intervention by Rachele Santoro, Delegate for Equal Opportunities, and Roland Hochstrasser, Head of the Office for Analysis and Digital Cultural Heritage, outlined a scenario where significant imbalances persist, particularly in access to funding, visibility of female artists, and their presence in decision-making roles.

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Operational details

Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The conference 'Che genere di cultura?' highlighted several implications for cross-border workers in the artistic and cultural sector in Ticino. The need to strengthen systematic data collection and integrate the gender perspective into cultural policies could have a significant impact on the visibility and funding opportunities for cross-border artist workers.

Access to Funding

One of the crucial points that emerged during the conference was access to funding. Cross-border artist workers could benefit from more inclusive funding criteria that take into account the specific challenges they face. This could include access to specific funds for cultural projects that promote gender equality.

Visibility and Decision-Making Roles

The visibility of female artists and their presence in decision-making roles were highlighted as areas for improvement. Cross-border workers in the cultural sector could find new opportunities for visibility through visibility platforms and awareness initiatives promoted by professional networks such as SWAN, Helvetiarockt, and the Swiss Society of Visual Arts (SSAA).

Mentoring and Professional Networks

Professional networks such as SWAN, Helvetiarockt, and the SSAA offer mentoring programs and visibility platforms that can be particularly useful for cross-border artist workers. These programs can help counteract exclusionary dynamics and support women's careers in the cultural sector.

Integration of the Gender Perspective

Integrating the gender perspective into cultural policies is a fundamental step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive cultural system. This could include adopting funding criteria and decision-making processes that take into account the specific needs of cross-border artist workers.

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Key points

Concrete Actions for Cross-Border Workers

For cross-border workers in the cultural sector in Ticino, there are several concrete actions they can take to benefit from the opportunities highlighted at the conference.

Join Professional Networks

A fundamental step is to join professional networks such as SWAN, Helvetiarockt, and the Swiss Society of Visual Arts Women (SSAA). These networks offer mentoring programs, visibility platforms, and awareness initiatives that can help counteract exclusionary dynamics and support women's careers in the cultural sector.

Access Inclusive Funding

Cross-border workers can seek access to specific funds for cultural projects that promote gender equality. This could include accessing funds offered by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Foundation for Culture, and other institutions that promote the integration of a gender perspective in cultural policies.

Participate in Awareness Initiatives

Participating in awareness initiatives can help promote the visibility of cross-border artists. This can include attending events such as the conference 'Che genere di cultura?' and other initiatives promoted by professional networks.

Utilize Visibility Platforms

The visibility platforms offered by professional networks can be a valuable tool to increase the visibility of cross-border artists. This can include participating in exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural initiatives that promote gender equality.

Monitor Cultural Policies

Cross-border workers can monitor the cultural policies of the Canton of Ticino to stay updated on new funding opportunities, visibility, and participation in decision-making roles. This can include participating in public consultations and other initiatives promoted by the DECS and the Equal Opportunities Service of the State Chancellery.

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