Performance Residencies in Finland

AARK (Archipelago Art Residency in Korpo)

Korpo, Finland

AARK (Archipelago Art Residency in Korpo) is an independent, artist-run residency located on the island of Korpo in the Finnish Archipelago. It provides a tranquil retreat for artists from all disciplines who seek inspiration from nature and the surrounding seaside environment. The residency offers private studios and apartments with sea views, fostering both solitude and community engagement. Artists can enjoy the stunning landscape year-round, from frozen seas in winter to the midnight sun in summer. AARK encourages a dialogue between national and international guests, as well as engagement with local people and the environment. Weekly informal meetings, shared meals, and sauna sessions help foster a sense of community among residents. The residency is easily accessible by public transport from Turku and is located near ferries connecting the outer archipelago. While AARK does not provide direct funding, artists are encouraged to apply for external grants. The residency welcomes both individual artists and artist duos, offering flexible stays ranging from one to three months.

Arteles Creative Center

Hämeenkyrö, Finland

Arteles Creative Center, located in Hämeenkyrö, Finland, is renowned as one of the largest and most international artist residency centers in Scandinavia. Hosting over 120 international artists and creatives annually, Arteles emphasizes freedom for creativity without external pressures, promoting long-term personal growth and mindfulness. Situated amidst the serene Finnish landscape awarded the European Union Landscape Award, the center offers a peaceful environment conducive to creativity. Facilities include private bedrooms, shared studios, and communal areas designed to foster creative and social interactions. Programs cater to multidisciplinary groups, supporting a wide range of creative activities from visual arts to research and writing, backed by extensive creative equipment and facilities.

Fiskars AiR

Fiskars, Finland

Fiskars AiR, located in the picturesque village of Fiskars in Southern Finland, is a creative hub established in 2006 under the Cooperative of Artisans, Designers, and Artists. It invites professionals from various creative fields, including arts, crafts, design, and more, from all around the world, providing a multicultural and enriching experience. The residency offers a conducive environment for creative exploration influenced by the village’s rich history, unique population structure, and natural beauty featuring lush forests and tranquil lakes. Residents are accommodated in fully-equipped studio apartments suitable for individuals, couples, or small families, and have access to a large, versatile basement space for larger creative projects. Fiskars AiR aims to foster professional exchange and networking among local and international artists, enriching the local community through diverse artistic insights and collaborations.

Haihatus

Joutsa, Finland

Haihatus Artist Residency, located in the serene Finnish countryside of Joutsa, invites professional artists and art students from all disciplines and nationalities to apply for its international residency program. Offering periods ranging from one to three months, the residency provides both workspace and accommodation, welcoming individual artists and workgroups alike. Haihatus is celebrated for its inspiring and relaxed atmosphere, fostering over a decade of global artistic exchange. The residency boasts a variety of common and private workspaces suitable for a wide range of artistic endeavors, from visual to performing arts. Situated in three historic buildings amidst beautiful Finnish lakeland, Haihatus offers a unique blend of artistic freedom and community engagement, with facilities including studios, a performing arts studio, a gallery, and event houses. The residency encourages artists to immerse themselves in the local culture and natural beauty, offering a peaceful retreat for creative exploration and development.

HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme

Helsinki, Finland

HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme provides international artists and art practitioners opportunities for creative work, research, and interdisciplinary dialogue. Located in Helsinki, HIAP offers residencies at Suomenlinna and Cable Factory, providing time and space for developing new work in collaboration with the local art scene. The residencies accommodate various disciplines including visual art, film, digital art, and performance, and support experimental and cross-disciplinary practices. Residency apartments are equipped to accommodate individuals or small families, and special provisions are available for those with accessibility needs. The program does not require financial obligations from the residents but offers a supportive environment for open-ended research and creative exploration.

Hub Feenix

Meltola, Finland

Hub Feenix, nestled in the tranquil southeastern Finland forest, offers a unique artist residency program that fosters creativity, healing, and connection. Located in a beautifully renovated former sanatorium, the Hub provides an inspiring environment for artists, writers, and other creatives to focus on their work while enjoying the serene beauty of nature. The residency program supports creative exploration and personal growth, offering both quiet, private spaces and opportunities for communal engagement. With a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, Hub Feenix is an ideal retreat for those seeking inspiration and rejuvenation in a supportive, nature-immersed setting.

ÖRES

Örö, Finland

ÖRES is an artist-run residency program located on the island of Örö, a former military fortress in the Finnish Archipelago National Park. The residency offers a unique opportunity for artists and researchers to work in a pristine natural environment, focusing on experimental fields of art, art-science collaborations, and interdisciplinary projects. The program is ideal for those interested in the intersection of nature, history, and contemporary art practices. With its retreat-like atmosphere, especially during the quiet winter months, the residency is self-service, requiring a do-it-yourself attitude. The facilities include two apartments that serve as combined living and working spaces, suitable for individual artists, small groups, or families. The residency is free of charge, though participants must cover their travel, materials, and living expenses.

Platform

Vasa, Finland

Platform is an artist-run initiative in Vasa, Finland, dedicated to promoting and producing international contemporary art. Founded in 2000, it hosts exhibitions and projects primarily resulting from its residency program. The residency emphasizes local interaction through curated projects, artist talks, and seminars. Artists are invited to explore various themes, producing site-specific and community-engaged works. Platform provides accommodation, travel expenses, a working grant, and a production budget. The residency fosters a conducive environment for creative development and intercultural exchange. Artists benefit from private apartments, project spaces, and essential tools and equipment. The program aims to connect artists with the local community and broader artistic discussions.

Serlachius

Mänttä, Finland

Serlachius Residency, maintained by the Gösta Serlachius Fine Arts Foundation, is a prestigious program aimed at professionals in the creative sector, including visual artists, art historians, researchers, or curators. It offers a serene environment conducive to creativity and professional development. The residency, which does not charge rent for accommodation or workspace, is set in the scenic locale of Mänttä, Finland, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The program supports individual artists, working couples, artist groups, and families, offering flexible residency periods ranging from one to four months. Facilities include the historic Einola house for accommodation and the Aleksanterin linna for workspaces, equipped with studios and a gallery space for events and exhibitions. The residency fosters interaction with the local and international art community through events and exhibitions, enriching both the residents' experience and the cultural landscape of the area. Applicants are responsible for their travel and living expenses, and are expected to submit a report on their stay, contributing to the residency's legacy of artistic exchange and exploration.

TUO TUO

Joutsa, Finland

TUO TUO is an artist-led residency situated in the former schoolhouse of Pynnölä village, Joutsa, established in January 2020. This residency is dedicated to exploring the intersections of sound, visual arts, performance, and environmental sciences within an ecological arts framework. It serves as a collaborative, ever-evolving ecosystem that supports experimentation and future-oriented community projects centered around ecological thinking. The residency is set in a rural, serene environment that stimulates transdisciplinary dialogue and pancultural pluralism, integrating deeply with both the local and international cultural landscapes. TUO TUO fosters a supportive atmosphere for residents to engage in radical rethinking across disciplines, welcoming proposals related to ecological art and research, ecopsychology, healing, poetry, and permaculture among others. Residents at TUO TUO are provided with a private bedroom, workspace access, and communal facilities including a kitchen, library, and laundry, all conducive to both solitary reflection and collective experimentation. The residency promotes sustainable living practices and provides a wood-burning sauna and spaces for social interaction and public engagement such as workshops and exhibitions.

Vanha Paukku

Lapua, Finland

The Vanha Paukku Artist Residency, established in 2015, is located within the Cultural and Business Centre Vanha Paukku in Lapua, Finland. This residency offers artists from around the world a peaceful environment to focus on their work, surrounded by the natural beauty of Finland’s rural landscape. Situated in a converted historical factory complex, Vanha Paukku serves as a cultural hub, housing museums, galleries, a library, and various community spaces. The residency provides artists with private accommodation and shared studio spaces, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration. With 24-hour access to facilities, residents can work at their own pace while enjoying the quiet, supportive environment. Artists can engage with the local community, participate in open studios, and explore opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The residency’s mission is to support the development of artistic practices in a unique setting while promoting cultural exchange and creativity. Located near the Lapua River, the residency combines serene surroundings with access to local culture and history.