Artist residencies

In the spring of 2022 we held an open call for artists and received 32 applications from both Finnish and international artists. Two artists and two pairs of artists were selected to the residencies and exhibitions. 

The artists will receive the Kone Foundation’s artist grant to work at the Viippola residency in Tornio and at the Swedish-Finnish Folk High School in Haparanda. The artists will work for varying periods during the autumn of 2022. 

At the end of the residency period, each artist will hold an exhibition in different premises in Tornio and Haparanda (Galleria Tila in Tornio, Rajalla Shopping Center, Haparanda Library, Haparanda Railway Station, exhibition space Jala in Haparanda). In 2023, a group exhibition of all those who worked in the residency will be held at the Aine Art Museum.  

We aim to make working in a residency possible especially for disabled artists and artists who are Sign Language users. During autumn, we will also collect information and experiences on how artist residencies can be arranged as accessible as possible. 

Now the aim is to find creative and experimental solutions for disabled artists’ residency work. The aim is also to share the results of the work with other residency actors and the field of art in Finland and internationally. 

 

Sofia Karinen is a 21-year-old Finnish-French visual artist studying at Liminka Art School. In her paintings she focuses on her everyday environment and the surrounding nature. 

 

The artist duo Aino Laiho and Olga Green, who are Sign Language users, will explore the opportunities for joint artistic expression created by safe space, interaction and play. They work experimentally with a variety of techniques and materials. 

 

Kari Toiviainen is a multidisciplinary professional with cerebral palsy. He works in the fields of theater and audiovisual expression. In the residency he will be working on a series of video art works with the local community. 

 

Maarit Hedman and Anu Haapanen will work on an exhibition consisting of mixed media, acrylic paintings and charcoal drawings. In their works, they engage in a dialogue on darkness between an artist who sees and an artist who has lost their sight.