Residency programmes

You can apply to two different residency programs at the Saari Residence: individual residencies and group residencies.

Individual Residency Program

The primary purpose of individual residencies is to allow artists to focus on their own work in the peaceful environment provided by the residency. At the same time, artists have a unique opportunity to engage in fruitful interaction with other residents from different countries and disciplines. We also offer mentorship, which you can read more about below.

During the two-month individual residency, we offer a shared program with an emphasis on the start of each week. The programme includes group meetings where residents take turns presenting their work and giving and receiving constructive feedback to support each other’s practice. In addition, residents meet with staff almost weekly for a shared lunch.

The residency also organises meetings focusing on sustainability and ecological issues, and artists can, when possible, participate in community artist projects. Participation in residency events is voluntary.

Group Residency Program

Group residencies are usually more focused on productions. In these, we primarily provide workgroups with a quiet environment to develop their projects at the residency and opportunities for collaboration and social interaction.

MENTORING PROGRAMME

We have launched a mentoring programme and are offering every Saari Residence artist the opportunity to take part in two remote meetings with a mentor during their two-month residency. 

Mentoring is a one-on-one conversation in which the mentor supports the resident and offers an exchange of ideas to help them with their artistic work, development of their artistic thinking and other work-related issues. The mentors are key professionals in their fields of art who live in Finland. They have careers spanning at least a couple of decades and are skilled listeners and conversationalists. They all also have a personal relationship with the Saari Residence.

Mentors 2026 are

Mikael Bryggman
Taru Elfving
Satu Herrala
Ilari Laamanen
Riikka Talvitie

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