Organizer Information
HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme is an international residency organisation based in Helsinki, Finland. Since 1998, HIAP has provided opportunities for international arts professionals to develop creative work, conduct research and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue. The 2027 Learning Materials residency is organised in collaboration with Bioart Society, Koynẽ Program and TUO TUO, with partners including FIBRA, LABVA, Scottish Sculpture Workshop and SWAMP. The project is supported by Kone Foundation.
Title & Description
Learning Materials International Artist in Residence 2027
The Learning Materials International Artist in Residence 2027 invites international artists and arts practitioners to undertake a 90-day research and experimentation residency focused on socially engaged, process-oriented and material-driven practices. The wider Learning Materials project explores how artists and communities can rethink their relationships with materials in response to ecological crises, extractive economies, petrochemical dependence and technological change. Residents will engage in collaborative research, knowledge exchange, skill-sharing and interdisciplinary dialogue. There is no designated artistic output, allowing artists to focus on experimentation and research while accessing the expertise, networks and facilities of the project partners.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Bio Art
- Material-Based Art
- Socially Engaged Art
- Art & Science
- Interdisciplinary Art
- Research-Based Practice
- Design and other artistic disciplines engaging with materials, ecology and social practice.
Eligibility
Open internationally to artists and arts practitioners living and working outside Finland. Applicants from all disciplines may apply, but must demonstrate an established, long-term commitment to material and/or socially engaged practices rather than applying solely to experiment with these areas for the first time. People from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled artists and artists from working-class or low socioeconomic backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply. Families and service/support animals can be accommodated in designated circumstances.
Program Benefits & Awards
- €4,050 working grant (€1,350/month for three months) via Kone Foundation.
- Up to €750 material budget.
- Up to €1,000 access budget for disabled artists.
- Accommodation and dedicated shared workspace.
- One return journey between the artist's home and Helsinki, with slow travel encouraged where feasible.
- Access to HIAP's workshops, Community Room, Project Space, Equipment Room and Wood Workshop.
- Access to HIAP's networks, partner expertise and Learning Materials Fellows.
- Opportunities for open studios, local events, exhibitions, visits and professional exchange.
HIAP can also support visa applications and has a budget to cover eligible visa-related fees and travel/accommodation costs associated with visiting a relevant visa office or embassy.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 26 October 2026
- Jury meeting: 12 November 2026
- Shortlisted applicant interviews: 9 December 2026, online
- Spring residency: 12 April–11 July 2027
- Autumn residency: 16 August–14 November 2027
Location
HIAP Suomenlinna, Helsinki, Finland
Additional Details
The residency apartments are approximately 30 m², furnished and equipped with a kitchenette, desk and bathroom. Each can accommodate up to two adults, with limited family accommodation available. Applicants should demonstrate how their existing practice connects meaningfully with the Learning Materials themes. Selection considers motivation, relevance to the local art scene, topicality, diversity, originality, rigour, vision and potential impact. HIAP also notes that AI may be used as a support or accessibility tool, but applicants are encouraged to retain their own voice and authenticity.