Winter residency 2026
The Kittilä-based Art Organisation Silence is launching an open call for its winter residency in March–April 2026. The application period is open during 1-31st of October 2025.
Silence Winter Residency
The Silence Winter Residency is primarily intended for music professionals who lack opportunities to focus on their art in Lapland’s snowy environments. The residency program began in 2024. Based on the positive experiences of artists who have participated, we are committed to continuing and developing the winter residency. In 2026, we offer two one-week residency periods in the village of Kaukonen:
March 9–22, 2026
April 13–26, 2026
Photo: Matti Haverinen
Application Process
Residency artists will be selected through an open call. Applications are submitted individually via an application form.
Applicants should include:
An artist introduction
A work plan
Preferred residency dates
Information about any existing funding for the project
Selected artists commit to write a short description of their work for Hiljaisuus and participating in an online group meeting with other artists. The meeting provides an opportunity to share experiences of the residency with other artists and representatives from the Silence organization.
The residency is free of charge for selected participants. However, artists are responsible for their own travel expenses and living costs during the residency.
Photo: Ryoko Uyama
Residency Decisions
Residency decisions will be made and announced by November 17, 2025.
The selection process aims to balance opportunities between emerging young professionals and more experienced artists. Priority will be given to those for whom working in the northern environment would otherwise not be possible.
Residency Work and Facilities
The Silence Winter Residency is open to both Finnish and international artists whose work does not require a separate rehearsal space. It operates as a so-called "room residency," providing a workspace for a single artist based on the submitted applications.
The working space is located in Oksala, an upstairs apartment in a detached house in the village of Kaukonen. The space includes accommodation and living areas, with a desk provided for working.
The residency offers suitable facilities for composing, writing, or playing a portable instrument. Taking place during the snowiest months of winter, the residency provides an opportunity to enjoy Lapland’s natural beauty and outdoor winter activities alongside artistic work.
Artists will have access to:
Bedding
Shower and toilet facilities
Laundry facilities
Internet connection
A kitchen
Supporters
The Hiljaisuus Winter Residency is funded by operational grants from Taike and the municipality of Kittilä.
The trial period of the first year of the Winter Residency of Silence is supported by Arts Promotion (Taike) with its special grant for cultural activities in sparsely populated rural areas (HAMA).
Continuation of the winter residency after 2025 will depend on funding received by The Silence Organisation and the feedback collected from the residency artists.
Oksala residency house
Further Information
More information about the artist residence in Kaukonen: residenssi[a]hiljaisuusfestivaali.fi.
