Arteles

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

Silent days
The program includes 1-2 silent days per week, when speaking is not allowed and making noise or engaging others in communication is to be avoided. On these days, participants can better clear their mind and get deeper into their present experience.

Focus
Internet yes - wifi no. To improve focus and concentration, the general wifi will be turned off. However, the internet will be available at all times in a designated space.

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 special experience, with the option to go winter swimming in the icy-cold lake.

Meditation
Each morning and evening there are scheduled meditation sessions in the meditation hall. For beginners, there is an introduction to meditation. The sessions are voluntary and do not follow any specific school or tradition.

Connecting with nature & winter
Participants will be introduced to the surrounding nature, forests and the nearby nature reserve. The location allows you to draw inspiration from peaceful nature daily.

For artists, writers & creative professionals from
all the fields of

Visual Arts | Photography
Literature | Performing Arts
Science | Music & Sound
Psychology | Philosophy
Mindfulness

Silence Awareness Existence

Thematic residency program
Winter 2025 in Finland

Periods: 1 month periods
Months: January / February / March 2025
Where: Arteles Creative Center, Hämeenkyrö, Finland

Deadline for applications:
31st of July 2024

Creative retreat into existence

Silence Awareness Existence is a thematic residency program in Finland for artists, writers, researchers and creative minds attuned to the theme. The program brings together creative individuals from different backgrounds. Artistic, scientific, meditative and existentialistic approaches are all equally embraced.

Taking place at the heart of the Northern winter, the conditions are excellent for creative contemplation, solitary introspection, concentrating intensively on your work, thinking and being, as well as for sharing experiences and ideas with other, similarly oriented minds. There is no pressure to have a concrete productive outcome, in case your focus is more in inner development, self-reflection and research. All participation in group activities is voluntary.

In order to support mindfulness and maintain a focused working & living environment, the program includes some special elements such as 1-2 silent (no speaking) days per week, limited internet access, and scheduled meditation hours (see program details below).

Stillness, darkness and winter

Arteles Creative Center is located in Western Finland in a countryside region, far from city life distractions. Many beautiful forests, fields and lakes surround the residency yards – here, you can truly feel connected with nature.

Finland's winter is filled with stillness and silence. The sun only briefly shows up in the horizon, and tones of blue, white, and grey dominate the monotone landscapes. On clear nights, stars, satellites and the milky way are clearly visible on the sky. If you get lucky, you may even catch the Northern Lights.

In average, January and February are the coldest months. In March there is already more brightness and light in the sky. Weathers in general are very unpredictable, and can vary a lot in a short time, from blinding snow storms to total stillness.

For artists & creatives
Studio spaces & private bedrooms. Photo studio. 24/7 access.
Read more

Scheduled meditation
We have scheduled morning and evening sessions in the meditation hall (voluntary).

Pure nordic nature
Explore forests, lakes & fields and find skies full of stars and satellites.
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

Supporting program structure
Silent days, meditation, (voluntary) meetings and events to support your creative journey.

Tools for you
Wide selection of creative gear, equipment 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.

Included in your stay at Arteles Creative Center:

For creative practice:

studio spaces and facilities — See facilities here
photo / sound studio spaces with gear + other creative tools — See list here
scheduled daily meditation sessions in the meditation hall (voluntary)
multidisciplinary group setting of 12-14 creatives
weekly group meetings and other events (voluntary)
artist promotion on our online network
artist pages in Arteles Catalogue

For everyday life:

private bedrooms, incl. towels and bedlinen
(Note: There are large working desks also in all bedrooms)
fully equipped kitchen facilities
traditional Finnish wood-burning sauna
meditation / yoga hall with matts, cushions & benches
residency car (with automatic gears) for getting around the region
internet access (limited in this program, see details above)
pick-up service for arrivals and departures — See how to get here
laundry facilities
pure Northern nature

Program periods: Winter 2025

January: 2.-30.1.2025
February: 3.2.-2.3.2025
March: 4.3.-1.4.2025
(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 (limited availability): 1270 € / 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

We are looking for emerging and professional artists, creatives and interesting individuals from diverse fields and backgrounds. In the selection process, an emphasis is put on applicant’s approach, alignment and suitability to the program theme. We value authenticity and tenacity.

We do not require a project proposal in the application as this would be in contradiction with the program. Also we understand that when working in the creative field, your subjects, interests and working methods tend to change and evolve along the way.

Requirements & Notes

- You must be at least 23 or older to apply
- Due to the program theme, there is no possibility to work with live music/sound - sound artists working with headphones are welcome to apply.
- Only individual applicants may apply to this program (If wanting to apply us as a duo, please send two individual applications and mention about it at the "extra notes"-box of the application)
- Children are not permitted in the residency.
- Overnight guests are not allowed in this program.
- Acknowledgment regarding health and well-being: Due to the nature of meditation, silent days and their potential to bring forth traumatic memories and sensations, it is important to note that this program may not be suitable for individuals who are coping with severe trauma or serious mental disorders.

Deadline for applications: 31st of July 2024 (Timezone UTC-12 at 23:59)

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