Arteles

Freedom for creating, writing and being
The program allows you the time, space, facilities and, most of all, the freedom and stress-free environment you need in order to focus on your creative practice.

Organised & supportive structure
Each residency period is carefully planned, scheduled and organized to support the participants' residency experience. Participation to events is voluntary.

Improve focus & mindfulness
To improve focus and mindfulness there are scheduled meditation sessions in the meditation hall each morning and evening. The sessions are voluntary.

Relax in sauna
Participants are given an introduction to the Finnish sauna culture, and they may use the traditional, wood-burning residency sauna freely. Also the public sauna nearby is a great place to experience the authentic, non-touristy Finnish sauna culture.

Creative community & atmosphere
Connect and share with other creatives - or just focus on your own thing - in a relaxed, non-competitive, multidisciplinary group setting.

Pure Nordic nature
Concentrate in your work in a peaceful, natural environment in the middle of the Finnish countryside.

For
artists, writers, creatives,
scientists & researchers

Fall into Focus

Residency program for artists, writers and researchers

Periods: 1 month (29 days)
Months: October / November 2025
Where: Arteles Creative Center, Hämeenkyrö, Finland

Deadline for applications:
1st of May 2025

Focus on your writing, creative practice and research

The autumn residency period at Arteles Creative Center provides artists, writers and researchers with the optimal conditions for sustained concentration. The program offers flexible time and space to freely develop creative projects without external or outcome pressure. Residents also have the option to refine and improve their focus through daily scheduled meditation sessions. Periods of deep focus can be balanced with walks in Nordic nature, relaxation in traditional Finnish sauna, and time around the bonfire with a supportive community of peers. All participation in group activities is voluntary.

Nordic autumn, darkness & sauna

Arteles Creative Center is located in a countryside region of Western Finland, far from the distractions and stimuli of city life. The residency is surrounded by forests, fields, and lakes which are all available for exploration.
The autumn season in Finland begins with vibrant leaves and cooling temperatures, followed by a noticeable decrease in daylight and falling leaves, and finally, the deep darkness and stillness of impending winter take over. The season’s darkening days support a focused atmosphere to dive fully into the creative work that most matters to you.

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
Voluntary group meetings and events to support your creative journey.

Tools for you
Car, boat, bikes and a wide selection of creative gear and tools for you to use. See full list here

Staff
We assist you with practicalities and introduce you to the facilities, local surroundings and nature.

Included in your stay at Arteles Creative Center:

For creative practice:

studio spaces and facilities — See facilities
creative tools & equipment — See list
curated library collection — See book list
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 life:

private bedroom incl. towels and bedlinen
(Note: There are working desks also in all the bedrooms.)
fully equipped kitchen facilities
traditional Finnish wood-burning sauna
meditation / yoga matts, cushions & benches
residency car (with automatic gears) for getting around the region
bicycles
wifi in all spaces
laundry facilities

For starters:

pick-up transportation for arrivals and departures — See how to get here
orientation & introduction to get you settled in
assistance in practicalities

Program periods 2025

October: 3.-31.10.
November: 3.11.-1.12.
(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 financially supported fee. The number of supported residencies is limited.

Regular fee: 1950 € / monthly period
Financially supported fee (limited availability): 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 Psychology / Philosophy / Cosmology / Neuroscience / Nature / Meditation / Mysticism / Spirituality / Metaphysics / Math & Physics / A.I. / Future studies.

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: 1st of May 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

If you need any help or more information, please contact: info@arteles.org
Residency Terms & Conditions