Open Call for Palestinian artists in Helsinki (Finland)

This residency is for artists working in contemporary visual and interdisciplinary practices, who are currently based in Palestine or are of Palestinian descent. The residency is a collaboration between HIAP Helsinki International Artist Programme and Sumud.

Residency period and location: 12 April – 11 July 2027 (for a total period of 90 days) at HIAP Cable Factory

Residency conditions:

• Free live / work artist studio at Cable Factory
• Travel to and from the artists home (1 trip)
• Working grant of €3600

HIAP and Sumud invite Palestinian contemporary artists to apply for a three-month residency in Helsinki, during Spring 2027.

The residency does not require the production of new works, or an exhibition output. There is the option to develop an exhibition proposal as a result of the residency, which could be presented at HIAP from 2029 onwards. The focus of the residency is to provide time and space to temporarily lean away from the intensities of daily routines, to focus on artistic research and to begin a collaborative dialogue with the local art scene.

The residency will be hosted at Cable Factory, Helsinki’s largest cultural complex, housing numerous creative professionals and organisations.

The artist will be provided with a combined living and working studio (63 sqm) which includes kitchenette, sleeping loft, and private bathroom. The studios are suitable for two adults or small families.

All residents also have 24/7 access to HIAP community facilities on Suomenlinna island such as the Community Room, Project Space, Equipment Room and Wood Workshop. Some equipment (eg projectors, sound systems) is available to borrow.

Whilst HIAP cannot guarantee that visas will be granted, particularly in the current geopolitical circumstances, we are here to support you in the process of securing a visa. A budget is available to cover the costs of securing the visa including application fees and travel / accommodation costs for visits to the relevant visa office or embassy.

This call is for professional Palestinian contemporary artists who are residing in Palestine or the diaspora.

If you are applying as a collective, please note there are no extra residency fees available or additional travel budget. There is one pet friendly / support & service animal friendly residency apartment in Cable Factory.

Family members are welcome. Artists and arts practitioners from all disciplines are welcome to apply.

The deadline for applying is 2 November 2026. Applications must be submitted via the online application form. Applications sent by email will not be considered. You can apply in written, video or audio format (see below guidance on submissions for audio and video formats).

The application language is English. Required materials for the application:

• Brief outline of your professional background and biography (up to 250 words / 2 minutes)
• Motivation statement including why you want to undertake this residency now (up to 250 words / 2 minutes)
• Portfolio / examples of previous work (max 10 pages / 5 minutes). Provided as an external link (please ensure there is no password or restrictions on access otherwise your application will not be assessed).