About

Visarte, affiliated to the Swiss central, is a cultural association whose aim is the dissemination, promotion and development of visual arts in the canton of Ticino, in Switzerland and abroad.

Visarte, was founded in 1866 under the name SPSAS Society of Swiss Painters, Sculptors and Architects. In 2001, after a profound reorganization, it was named Visarte.

Visarte develops relations and information between the various cantonal sections and between Swiss and foreign artists. It looks after the interests of active members in the artistic, professional, legal and social spheres. It supports and helps artists in difficulty.
The Visual Arts Society, Visarte, has around 2500 active members divided into 18 regional groups and a project group.

As a professional organization, it represents the interests of artists and provides them with the necessary assistance to overcome professional problems and guarantees adequate social benefits. As a cultural organisation that follows specific guidelines, it cooperates with the Confederation, the cantons and the municipalities in implementing cultural policy and in promoting art and culture. Another important task is to develop relations and the exchange of information between artists in Switzerland and abroad.

Visarte has two studios in Ticino, Casa and atelier Bick in Sant Abbondio and Casa Maria in Costa-Intragna, which artists can rent. Visarte Ticino also has an atelier in Paris where the artist can be hosted for 6 or 3 months (v. bando).