Annika Dahlsten Works with Slow Transformations

In January, the staff of the Saari Residence changed when the deputy residency director, Anni Sundbacka, went on parental leave. In her place is Annika Dahlsten, a visual artist and art expert from Turku. Annika will work at the Saari Residence until the end of August, after which Leena Kela will return from her study leave.

Annika Dahlsten graduated as a visual artist and animation director from the Turku University of Applied Sciences Arts Academy. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Finnish literature and art history from the University of Turku.

Before stepping into the role of deputy director at the Saari Residence, Annika led the Finnish Cultural Foundation’s visual arts development project for the past year. Many also know her from the Turku Animated Film Festival, where she has been director since 2023. Annika is also an active visual artist.

“As an artist, I work with slow, meta-level transformations. As an expert, I focus on the impact and influence of art. I enjoy connecting people and ideas and working to support artists and art. I am a community activist and hold various trusted art sector positions. At Kone Foundation, I appreciate its core principle of artistic freedom and its ability to recognize countercurrent thinking as a driver of social change,” Annika explains.

The principles of the Saari Residence—care and mental resilience—resonate with Annika. “It’s inspiring to delve into the program and its impact and to contribute to nurturing the residency activities. I look forward to meeting artists and broadening my own horizons. Saari Residence is a magnificent cultural-historical and ecologically valuable environment, and I believe that being here will ground me in a lasting way.”

Three Questions for the Deputy Director

What are your expectations for the Saari Residence?

As an artist, I have worked in several international residencies, the farthest being in Cape Town, South Africa. I appreciate residencies’ focus and peace, as they often serve as incubators for new ideas. Now, I find it interesting to experience a residency from another perspective. I also have experience in the foundation world, for example, through my recent work as a project specialist at the Finnish Cultural Foundation.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I spend a lot of time on the sidelines—literally—driving my child to soccer practice. I dig in the garden in the summer and ski in the winter. I’m eagerly awaiting how many tulips and daffodils will bloom in our yard this spring and how many will disappear over the winter.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

Marsupilami.