For creative minds & professionals from all the fields of Arts | Literature | Design Psychology | Philosophy Science | Research Mindfulness

Back to Basics Intensive residency program in Hämeenkyrö, Finland Periods: 1 Month (29 day) periods Months: July / August / September 2025 Where: Arteles Creative Center, Hämeenkyrö, Finland

Deadline for applications 23rd of January 2025

Focus on the essentials Stop the information overflow, go offline and get back to focus in a supportive, natural environment in the middle of the Northern summer. Back to Basics is a multidisciplinary residency program that allows artists to clear their minds, get back to focus, and (re)discover the very basis of their being. Take a break from your phone, reconnect with your creativity, be part of nature and learn to stay present again. As the emphasis in this program is on reconnecting with your creative practice and being, no predetermined project plan is required. Participants are encouraged to arrive with their minds open for on-site observations, ideas, self-reflection and interacting with other residents. With support from the professional staff, facilities, and the program structure, Back to Basics allows you to go back to what matters to you.

No wifi, no smartphones - presence and pure nature The program encourages you to step away from the usual ways of escapism, be present where you are, and see how your concentration skills, creativity, and productivity improve. To make this happen, the use of cellphones is not allowed and internet access is limited in this program. Residents also have the possibility to participate in daily meditation sessions. (See program details below.) The summer season is ideal for exploring and getting inspired by the rich Finnish nature surrounding Arteles Creative Center. There are countless forests, fields, lakes, and small countryside roads in the region. Thanks to Finland’s everyman’s rights, they can all be explored freely. Summer is full of light: even late into the night, it’s bright enough to go for a walk in the forest. Seasonal berries and mushrooms can be picked from the yard and the woods, and when it’s time to get relaxed, the residency center’s traditional wood-burning sauna is the place to be.

For artists & creatives Studio spaces & private bedrooms. 24/7 access to facilities. Read more Scheduled meditation We have scheduled morning and evening sessions in the meditation hall (Voluntary).

Outdoors & nature Pure Nordic nature: forests, lakes and ever-changing skies. Read more Relaxing tradition Traditional Finnish wood-burning sauna built in 1961, for when you feel like it is time to relax.

Award-winning landscapes Arteles Creative Center is located in Hämeenkyrö, Finland. Read more Supportive program structure Multidisciplinary group setting, voluntary meetings and events to support your creative journey.

Tools for you Two cars, boat, bikes and a wide selection of creative gear and tools for you to use. See full list here On-site staff We assist you with practicalities and introduce you to the facilities, local surroundings and nature.

The program structure is designed to be supportive yet open and flexible. Depending on your own preference and interests, you can focus intensively on your own topics of interest, aim at on-site collaborations, or combine both. In either case, the emphasis is on your own creative process and development, and there is no outcome expectations or pressure to produce finalized works. Back to focus Unplug yourself, go offline and get back to focus. The use of cellphones is prohibited and internet access limited in this program (see details below). Back to nature Regain the connection with nature. Participants will be introduced to the surrounding nature, forests, paths and the nearby nature reserve. The location allows you to draw daily inspiration from the peaceful nature. Back to presence Each morning and evening there are scheduled meditation sessions in the meditation hall. The sessions are voluntary and do not follow any specific school or tradition. Multidisciplinary group setting Connect, share, collaborate with others - or just focus to do your own thing - in a relaxed, non-competitive, multidisciplinary group setting. Back to freedom Freedom for creating and being. The program allows you the time, space and, most of all, the freedom and stress-free environment you need in order to develop yourself and your creative practice. Relax in Sauna Participants are given an introduction to the Finnish sauna culture, and they may use the traditional, wood-burning residency sauna on site. Also the public sauna nearby is a great place to experience the authentic, non-touristy Finnish sauna culture. About going offline In order to maintain a focused environment, there is no wifi in this program (excluding the first 1-2 days of settling in). Internet is available one day per week. Residents can use their own or the house laptop. Note: In case of an important appointment/ work etc. commitment that cannot be rescheduled, temporary access can be arranged by consulting the staff in advance. About having a break from cellphones To help the mind rest & stay present, the use of cellphones is prohibited in this program. Cellphones are switched off and handed in at the beginning of the residency, and they will be stored in the office. In case of urgent need, friends & family can contact the participants via Arteles staff. There is also a residency phone available for receiving international calls if needed. Included in your stay at Arteles Creative Center: For creative practice, process & research: studio spaces and facilities — See facilities creative tools & equipment — See list curated library collection — See book list curated multidisciplinary group setting — See who's been here before daily meditation schedule in the meditation hall (voluntary) weekly group meetings and events (voluntary) promotion through our online network project pages in Arteles Catalogue staff on site to help with practicalities For everyday & practicalities: private bedroom incl. towels and bedlinen (Note: There are large working desks also in each bedroom) fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities Internet access (limited) traditional Finnish wood-burning sauna meditation / yoga matts, cushions & benches two residency cars (with automatic gears) for getting around the region rowing boat on the lake nearby bicycles pick-up service for arrivals and departures — See how to get here orientation & introduction to get you settled in pure northern nature Program periods 2025 July: 4.7. — 1.8. August: 4.8. — 1.9. September: 3.9. — 1.10. (Each monthly program period = 29 days) Program fees There is no application fee. Applicants who otherwise would be unable to join the program can apply for financial support. The number of financially supported residencies is limited. Regular fee: 1950 € / monthly period Financially supported fee: 1350 € / monthly period Contributor's fee (optional): 2610 € / monthly period All fees include the registration fee (120 € / person, non-refundable, to be paid only if/when becoming selected). All the residents have accommodation in a private bedroom. Who can apply Emerging and professional artists, writers, designers from all fields of creativity Researchers, scientists, philosophers, psychologists engaged with areas such as Nature / Plants / Fungi / Psychology / Psychedelic Research / Philosophy / Cosmology / Neuroscience / Meditation / Mysticism / Spirituality / Metaphysics / Math & Physics. Guidelines We do not require a predefined project proposal in the application, as we understand that in the creative field, your interests, methods, and focus tend to shift and evolve throughout the process. A finalized outcome is not required by the end of the program — we understand that there are many phases and aspects of one's creative process, each playing an important role in contributing to the unfolding of outcomes. In the selection process, the applicant's motivation, ideas, approach and alignment with the program are emphasized. Deadline for applications was: 23rd of January 2025 (Timezone UTC-10 at 23:59) Eligibility Minimum age is 23 (in 2025) A university degree (minimum BA), exceptions may be made for individuals with relevant experience Only individual applicants (Duos, please send two separate applications and mention the other in the "extra notes") Children are not permitted in the residency Acknowledgment regarding health and well-being: Due to the nature of activities such as meditation and the absence of distractions, which may bring forth traumatic memories and sensations, it is important to note that this program may not be suitable for individuals coping with severe trauma or serious mental disorders. If you need any help or more information, please contact: info@arteles.org Residency Terms & Conditions In case your browser is not supporting the form below, click here. The application round is closed and is no longer accepting submissions. See the list of our curated book collection here