Organizer Information
The Helsinki International Artist Programme (HIAP) and Sumud – Finnish Palestine Network invite professional Palestinian contemporary artists to apply for a three-month residency in Helsinki in spring 2027. HIAP has hosted international artists in Helsinki since 1998 and operates residency facilities at Cable Factory and Suomenlinna. The programme is delivered through the Ukraine Solidarity Residencies Programme (USRP), coordinated by HIAP and supported by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.
Title & Description
Open Call for Palestinian Artists in Helsinki — Spring 2027
This residency offers Palestinian artists time, space and resources to step away from the intensity of everyday routines and focus on artistic research, reflection and dialogue with the local art scene. The programme welcomes artists working across contemporary visual and interdisciplinary practices.
Artists are not required to produce new work or organize an exhibition during the residency. Residents may, however, develop an exhibition proposal that could potentially be presented at HIAP from 2029 onwards.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Interdisciplinary Art
- Contemporary Art
- Photography
- Video
- Performance
- Installation
- Sculpture
- New Media
- Sound
- Research-based Practice, and other contemporary artistic disciplines.
Artists and arts practitioners from all disciplines are welcome to apply.
Eligibility
The call is open to professional Palestinian contemporary artists residing in Palestine or in the Palestinian diaspora. Artists from all disciplines are eligible.
Family members are welcome, and one residency apartment is pet-friendly and suitable for support or service animals. Collectives may apply, but no additional residency fee or travel budget is available for additional members.
LGBTQIA+ artists, disabled artists, and artists from working-class or low socioeconomic backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
Program Benefits & Awards
- A free combined live/work studio at Cable Factory, Helsinki, measuring approximately 63 square metres, with kitchenette, sleeping loft and private bathroom.
- €3,600 working grant.
- One round-trip journey between the artist's home and Helsinki.
- 24/7 access to HIAP community facilities at Suomenlinna, including a Community Room, Project Space, Equipment Room and Wood Workshop.
- Access to selected equipment, including projectors and sound systems.
- Opportunities to participate in HIAP activities, Open Studios, local events, visits and networking activities.
- Support during the residency for connecting with Helsinki's artistic community.
- Visa-related financial support, including application fees and eligible travel and accommodation costs for visits to the relevant visa office or embassy.
- A small additional access budget for disabled artists.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
Application Deadline: 2 November 2026
Residency Period: 12 April–11 July 2027
Duration: 90 days
Selection: Jury meets in November 2026; applicants will subsequently be contacted regarding the outcome and next steps.
Location
HIAP Cable Factory, Helsinki, Finland
Additional Details
The selection panel will assess applications according to motivation, relevance to the local art scene, topicality, originality, distinctiveness, rigour, presentation, vision and potential impact. Individual feedback will not be provided, although HIAP aims to share key points from the jury discussion with applicants.
Applicants may include access requirements in the application or submit a confidential Access Rider. Accessibility support is available, and applicants can contact HIAP before applying to discuss specific requirements.