Eleven international groups worked at Saari Residence in summer 2025

From early June to mid-August 2025, eleven multidisciplinary working groups from around the world worked on their diverse artistic projects at the Saari Residence. In addition to focused work periods, the residencies offered inspiration drawn from the surrounding nature and the unique atmosphere of Saari.

In June, Parlour Collective created a new film-based performance work deeply connected to the landscape of Saari. “The quality of light at Saari had a significant impact on our creative process. The subtle, gradual changes in the sky, weather, and light tones inspired our performances,” the group says. They also made extensive field recordings, capturing, in particular, birdsong and the play of wind across different terrains.

The trio Phenomenology of Light and Rhythms of the Earth expanded their project beyond expectations during their June residency. The artists, arriving from Berlin, Khon Kaen, and Singapore, explored the phenomenology of light and human responses to it. “The space at Saari supported our process beautifully, as we felt deeply attuned to the rhythm of nature. For all of us, currently living in cities, it was an incredible experience,” the group reflects.

At the beginning of July, the Aarresaari translation group worked intensively on each participant’s individual translation projects. The daily three- to four-hour sessions offered a welcome contrast to the often solitary work of a translator. “The peaceful evenings by the barbecue shelter, the beautiful landscapes, and the bleating of sheep left a lasting impression,” the group describes.

Design trio Studio Fludd (Eleonora Diana, Chiara Costa, and Sara Maragotto) traveled from Milan to Mietoinen for a four-week residency in July, where they analyzed ten years of their design practice and developed a concept for a cross-disciplinary exhibition format. “We experienced a profound sense of peace and gentleness during our morning walks and endless evenings, and we were delighted by sightings of quick, wild animals,” they recall. The group will present an installation in Milan in November 2025, inspired by their residency and exploring the theme of skin.

In early August, the trio Arola / Fuhrmann / Kakaliagou worked on their performance Celestial Navigators, which explores the theme of doubt. “The birdwatching tower and the season had a major impact on our project. Migrating birds became a central motif – the geese and cranes practicing their formations and calls inspired us,” the trio explains. The piece will premiere in March 2026 in Helsinki.

Throughout the summer, the Saari Residence provided an inspiring environment for a wide range of creative work – from translation and installation to performance and light art. What all groups shared was a deep connection to the place and nature, as well as the opportunity for focused collaboration.

Changes in group residencies in summer 2026

The summer of 2026 will mark the first in the history of the Saari Residence without group residencies. The pause is due to the renovation of the old stone barn, which will render artists’ workspaces temporarily unavailable. During this period, maintenance operations affecting accommodation will also be relocated to new facilities.