When we started organising events in Switzerland more than 20 years ago, the audience was different. People came primarily because they missed the language, the music, and the feeling of home. Today the audience is far more diverse — and honestly, it is wonderful for me to see.
At our events I now meet different generations: people who have only just arrived in Switzerland; those who have lived here for decades; young people who were born here but want to stay connected to their origins; families who bring their children to hear our language and get to know the culture through music, film, and theatre.
I notice that the audience today chooses much more carefully.
It is no longer enough for something to simply be "ours" — people want quality, a good atmosphere, an organisation they trust.
I think that is a good change. It pushes us to be better.
That is why today, when I choose the programme, I do not think only about what is popular at the moment, but also about what has value and what can stay in people's memory.
I am especially glad when I see a younger audience, children at concerts, young people at plays. These are generations who may be growing up between two languages and two cultures, but who still want to stay connected to their roots.
That is why I can say with pride that the HELSE audience today is diverse, nurtured, of high quality and, above all, it represents a community.
— Evica
Our stories
Mistakes I made organising events — and what I learned from them
Evica Marković28 May 2026When I look back today, I can honestly say that I learned the most from my mistakes — and there were many of them. In the beginning I believed it was enough to have a quality programme…
Read more
Why it matters to come to live events
Evica Marković26 May 2026Today we can watch everything from home: films on streaming platforms, concerts through our phones, plays as recordings. There has perhaps never been more content available to all of us from home than now…
Read more
How I choose which films I bring to Switzerland
Evica Marković21 May 2026Many people think that if a film is a success in the region, it will automatically have an audience in the diaspora too. But honestly — it is not quite like that…
Read more
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
HELSE is a Swiss cultural association that fosters exchange between Switzerland and Serbia. Through theatre, film, music, stand-up and children's workshops we build cultural bridges — alive, inspiring and open to everyone.
Our programme is diverse: theatre performances, film screenings, stand-up comedy, concerts, readings, seminars and children's workshops.
Events run year-round — the current schedule lives in the Events section.
Tickets are sold online via each event's page and, for some programmes, at the door before the show. HELSE members receive discounts on selected events.
Membership is open to anyone who wants to support the association. The annual fee is CHF 70, with reduced rates for students and pensioners.
Sign up via the Membership page — for any additional questions, write to info@helse.ch.