Supported by Saastamoinen Foundation, the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of Art Helsinki launched an alumni residency programme for graduates from the Academy. The programme provides artists with grants that enable them to continue their studies in high-profile residency centres run by the Academy’s partners.
The residency partners of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts and Saastamoinen Foundation in 2015-2018 were Jan van Eyck Academie in Maastricht and the ISCP - International Studio & Curatorial Program in New York. A new partner since 2018 has been the SPACE Residency programme in London.In addition a grant has been reserved for the Rijksakademie van Beldeende Kunsten in Amsterdam should a graduate from the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts be selected for the residency programme. Detailed instructions will be published closer to the application period online at uniarts.fi.
Jan van Eyck Academie
Jan van Eyck Academie is one of Europe’s best-known multiform residence centres that focuses on further studies. About 35 artists, designers, researchers, writers and curators from different countries enrol in its programme each year. The residencies are by nature inquiry-based and productive. Applications can be made by Master of Fine Arts graduates under the age of 40 from the Academy of Fine Arts who can apply for one year’s residency at the Jan van Eyck Academie in Maastricht in the Netherlands. The duration of the residency is 12 months.
Artists from the Academy of Fine Arts in the programme
Meri Linna
1 October 2016 – 1 October 2017
Meri Linna (b. 1982) is a Swedish artist and part of the Harrie Liveart collective. The collective is driven by the belief that artists can work together to take an artwork forward by encouraging and questioning each other. Linna’s own work reflects a dedication to self-examination and enlightenment through practice. Introspection in art is often associated with self-indulgence, but Linna’s works are an exception in this case, for she uses her process of self-examination as a mirror that offers viewers the chance to examine themselves.
International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP)
Founded in 1994, the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) supports the development of artists’ and curators’ creativity through residencies and public programmes. ISCP New York is the world’s most comprehensive international visual arts residency programme. Its facilities in an old factory in Brooklyn consist of 35 airy studios, two galleries and project space. In an ISCP programme, an artist is given a private furnished studio and access to communal facilities around the clock. Residents are encouraged to benefit from each other to create international contacts, engage in professional discussions and obtain feedback. During the programme, artists have a chance to participate in activities and open studios arranged by ISCP. Through a collaboration network they meet critics and curators, and visit galleries and other cultural venues of importance to them. Application is intended for graduates of the Academy of Fine Arts who have been working professionally for at least five years. There is no age limit. The duration of the residency is 6 months.
Artists from the Academy of Fine Arts in the programme
Kaija Hinkula, Spring 2025
Hans Rosenström, Spring 2024
Anssi Pulkkinen, Spring 2022
Anna Estarriola, Spring 2020
Jonna Kina, Spring 2019
Olli Keränen, Spring 2018
Bita Razavi, Spring 2017
Tuomas A. Laitinen
Autumn 2016
Tuomas A. Laitinen (b. 1976) is a Helsinki-based artist whose installations combine light and moving images. In his works, he reveals personal and public relations, combining poetry and politics. Laitinen’s works resemble visions which plunge into the mystical depths behind our virtual reality. They contain intertextual references from ancient tragedies, philosophy, science fiction, experimental music, architectural history and contemporary media culture.
Aleksi Kraama
1 January – 30 June 2015
Aleksi Kraama (b. 1983) is a Helsinki-based artist whose conceptual art-making incorporates cinematic techniques and sculptural elements. Kraama’s moving image work often uses architecture as a means of storytelling. In Parallel, one of his most recent works, the architecture of a controversial mining site in Finland is mediated through the ruins of an old farmhouse, creating a juxtaposition of the poetic and political. Kraama’s works provoke metaphysical reflection while drawing from a documentary approach.
Rijksakademie van Beldeende Kunsten
Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam is devoted to developing artists’ ability. The Academy offers talented artists a platform on which to further develop their professional expertise. Residency at the Rijksakademie has brought many alumni an international breakthrough. The Rijksakademie offers around 50 artists one year’s residency, enabling research, experimentation and production. In addition to a studio, work budget and grant, Rijksakademie offers production facilities and space for research. The Academy has no fixed programme, but provides time, contacts and opportunities.
Artor Jesus Inkerö
2 year programme
Residency 2019-2020
SPACE Studios
SPACE is one of the leading art organisations in Great Britain.Established by artists in 1968, it currently runs 19 artist studio buildings in London and Colchester.In addition to workspaces, SPACE provides support programmes, artist residencies, bursaries and training opportunities for artists.It also delivers learning projects for schools and communities in its neighbourhood.SPACE supports 700 artists with studios and a further 700 a year with professional development.
SPACE artists from the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts
Tatu Gustafsson, 2023
Yassine Khaled, 2021
Minna Långström, 2019
Josefina Nelimarkka, 2018
LIFT - Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto
Paola Guzmán, 2024
Natalia Koziel-Kalliomäki, 2023
Britt Al-Busultan, 2022
Milja Viita, 2019
The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) is an artist-run charitable organisation specialising in the moving image. Founded in 1981 by a small collective, it has since grown to become one of the foremost centres of its kind globally.LIFT focuses on media art education and production resources.LIFT exists to provide support and encouragement for independent filmmakers and artists through affordable access to production, post-production and exhibition equipment; professional and creative development; workshops and courses; commissioning and exhibitions; artist-residencies; and a variety of other services.It also runs several laboratories and employs a large number of experienced technicians and talented experts in Toronto,which has a dynamic community in the field of cinema and moving image art.LIFT specialises in different production formats for analog cinema, also experimental ones.LIFT has full digital post-production facilities. The duration of the residence is 3 months.
Cove Park & Scottish Scupture Workshop
Harriina Räinä, 2025
Santtu Laine, 2024
Jere R. Vainio, 2023
Photo: Werner Mantz Lab, ©Van Eyck.