Organizer Information
HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme is a respected arts residency organisation based in Helsinki, Finland, dedicated to supporting international visual artists, curators, and art practitioners through residencies, research opportunities, community engagement, and cultural exchange. HIAP operates multiple residency sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage island of Suomenlinna and the Cable Factory, offering spaces and networks that enable artistic work in dialogue with both local and global art ecosystems. The programme is co-organised with Frame Contemporary Art Finland, a national agency promoting contemporary Finnish art internationally and fostering connections between artists, curators, and cultural institutions. Together, HIAP and Frame have developed the Helsinki International Curatorial Programme to broaden professional networks, promote curatorial research, and enhance cultural cooperation.Title & Description
Helsinki International Curatorial Programme 2026 (HICP) — This open call invites professional curators to apply for one-month residencies in Helsinki, Finland, as part of an international curatorial research and exchange programme. Selected curators will live and work at HIAP’s international residency site on Suomenlinna Island, engaging in curatorial research, networking, and project development with connections to the Finnish contemporary art field. The residency supports independent research, project conceptualisation, and professional exchange through tailored assistance, networking support, and opportunities to present activities such as talks or workshops during or after the residency.Categories
- Curatorial Research
- Contemporary Art Curating
- Professional Exchange & Networking
Eligibility
- International applicants based outside Finland.
- Minimum 2–3 years of professional curatorial experience (formal education not mandatory).
- Open to curators working independently or within professional institutions.
- People from under-represented backgrounds (global majority*, LGBTQIA+, disabled*, socio-economic diversity) are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Family members may accompany selected applicants but must cover their own travel costs; only one pet-friendly apartment is available.
Program Benefits & Awards
- €1200 Working Grant for project development and living expenses.
- Travel allowance to and from the applicant’s place of residence (slow travel recommended).
- Combined workspace and accommodation on Suomenlinna Island (furnished approx. 30 sqm apartment).
- Access to HIAP facilities: community rooms, library, equipment room, workshop spaces, and networking with the international residency community.
- Assistance & tailored networking support from HIAP and Frame.
- Opportunity to deliver a public talk or workshop and write a published text related to residency research.
Application Fee
NoneApplication Requirements
- Professional biography / background (up to 250 words)
- Motivation statement explaining reasons for the residency (up to 250 words
- Work plan for the residency period (up to 250 words)
- Portfolio / examples of previous work — up to 10 images or 3 video/audio files, provided as external links (no uploads).
How to Apply?
Online ApplicationKey Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 February 2026
- Residency Period: 17 August – 13 September 2026
- Notification of Results: End of March 2026 (approx.)
Location
HIAP Suomenlinna, Helsinki, FinlandAdditional Details
- Accessibility information is available; applicants can discuss access needs in advance with HIAP, though no separate accessibility budget is provided.
- HIAP maintains a Safer Spaces Policy and Code of Conduct to ensure inclusive participation.
- The selection panel includes representatives from both partner organisations and an independent curator or artist, prioritising motivation, relevance, topicality, diversity, and quality of the proposal.
- Due to volume, tailored feedback cannot be offered; a summary of jury discussions may be shared with applicants.