Vera Michalski

In the autumn of 2007, Michalski-Hoffmann announced the creation of the Jan Michalski Foundation in Montricher, Switzerland at the foot of the Jura Mountains, designed by architects Vincent Mangeat and Pierre Wahlen. This foundation acquired a former summer camp and converted it into a cultural center focused on writing residencies. Several writers stay simultaneously for different lengths of time, never to exceed one year. Later, an exhibit space, an auditorium for concerts, symposiums, lectures or screenings and a library were added. The foundation awards certain writers with grants and from time to time underwrites certain publishing projects. Conceived as a place entirely dedicated to writing and literature, the Jan Michalski Foundation is committed to fostering literary creation and making all forms of written expression accessible to all. This commitment is further manifested through exhibitions and cultural events and financial support for literary projects.

As part of the Jan Michalski Foundation, Vera Michalski-Hoffmann also created the Jan Michalski International Prize for Literature, designed to recognize great work, regardless of the genre (novels, short stories, essays, books on art, etc.). The prize is worth 50,000 Swiss francs.

Vera Michalski-Hoffmann also supports the promotion of classical music and is a member of Honors of the Swiss classical music festival Les Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad. Also, she extended an extensive patronage and financial backing to the legendary American avant-garde theater director Robert Wilson.