Learning Materials Artists in Residence 2026 – for artists based in the Nordic and Baltic countries

About the Open Call

The 'Learning Materials' residency, funded by Nordic Culture Point, is a pilot program for artists based in Nordic and Baltic countries. Hosted at HIAP Suomenlinna Studios in Helsinki, with a retreat to TUO TUO in Joutsa, Finland, it focuses on interdisciplinary practices investigating biomaterials, traditional practices, new technology, and existing knowledge to rethink material relationships. Key themes include Waste and circular economies, Material legacies and biomaterials, and Tourism and greenwashing. The residency emphasizes research and experimentation, offering no designated output but opportunities for a 'Learning Materials Lab' and online publication. Artists receive support and access to expertise from partner organizations: Bioart Society, Koynẽ Program, SWAMP: Art Material and Waste Management Point, and TUO TUO. HIAP provides a furnished residency apartment and shared workshop space, with 24/7 access to community facilities. Residents are welcome to participate in HIAP's broader program activities like welcome lunches, weekly coffees, trips, and Open Studios. HIAP is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment, encouraging applications from global majority, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and working-class artists. Detailed accessibility information is provided, and contact is available for specific access requirements.

What is Offered

Travel to and from the artist’s home (slow travel encouraged), an internal travel budget up to €150, a Working Grant of €1300 per month (€3900 in total), a material budget up to €750, a budget for delivering a Learning Materials Lab up to €400, and a publication budget of €200. Artists will be provided with a furnished Residency Apartment and a separate shared working space in HIAP’s workshop, with 24/7 access to HIAP community facilities including the Community Room, Project Space, Equipment Room, and Wood Workshop.

Requirements

This call is for artists living and working outside of Finland and based in a Nordic Baltic country (Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Åland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). Arts practitioners from all disciplines are welcome, but must demonstrate a long-term commitment to the Learning Materials themes and expertise in material and socially-engaged practices. Family members are welcome (must cover their own travel costs). One pet-friendly residency apartment is available.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the online application form. Required materials include a brief outline of your professional background and biography (up to 500 words), a motivation statement (up to 500 words) on how your work responds to the Learning Materials themes, a work plan (up to 250 words), and a portfolio/examples of previous work (max. 10 images or 3 video/audio files) provided as an external link.