Rethinking materials through art and ecological research
HIAP — Helsinki International Artist Programme invites artists and practitioners living and working outside Finland — including applicants based in Morocco — to undertake a 90-day residency on the island of Suomenlinna, Helsinki. Learning Materials addresses material practices, extractive economies, petrochemical dependence, sustainability, community knowledge and the ecological implications of art production. Partners include Bioart Society, Koynẽ and TUO TUO, with support from the Kone Foundation.Residency periods and funding
Applicants can propose a stay during 12 April–11 July 2027 or 16 August–14 November 2027. Selected residents receive a €1,350 monthly working grant, totalling €4,050 for 90 days, one return journey from home, residential accommodation and workspace, up to €750 in materials funding, and potentially up to €1,000 for access requirements where appropriate. Visa-process support is available, including eligible costs, but approval of a visa cannot be guaranteed. For collectives, the stipend and return travel remain those available to one individual, not separate awards per member.
Eligibility and creative practice
Practitioners from any artistic discipline can apply, provided they demonstrate an established engagement with material-focused and socially engaged practices. This is not an introductory course for artists unfamiliar with the subject. Research, experimentation, exchange and peer learning are central; a finished artistic output is not compulsory. The residency connects residents with local ecological and cultural organisations and provides facilities including a community room and wood workshop.
Submit in English
Applications must be made online, not by email. Prepare a professional biography (up to 250 words), motivation statement (250 words), work plan (250 words) and portfolio (maximum ten pages) shared through an unrestricted external link. Responses to narrative questions may also be provided as unedited audio or video up to two minutes. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed online in December 2026.
Deadline: 26 October 2026 at 15:00 GMT+2. [Official call and application](https://www.hiap.fi/open-call/open-call-learning-materials-international-artist-in-residence-2027/) · [More opportunities](https://culturama.ma/opportunites).
*Image: HIAP Suomenlinna entrance, photo Sirja Moberg.*