Nordic Baltic Analogue Adventure

Since 2010, Filmverkstaden has been a vibrant hub for analogue film and photography, and our artist residency program has been sparking creativity since 2018. Located in the heart of Vaasa in the Funkkis building of the former Opistotalo, we provide opportunities for artists to work with analogue media. We have extensive experience with innovative workshops, hosting international crowds of specialists, expanding knowledge and inspiring many others to push the boundaries of these media.

We’re thrilled to announce an open call for 5 artists from the Nordic or Baltic countries to join us for a three-month residency in Vaasa, dedicated to analogue film or photography.

Film is not dead—it’s evolving. This residency offers the opportunity to dive into the media of analogue film or photography, to experiment, to innovate and to let these media evolve into a sustainable future.

What do we ask?

We are looking for innovative proposals that question, challenge or change the conventional ways of working with analogue film or photography. As the residency focuses on innovative projects, cross-media research, productions or collaborations are also welcomed. The process of working with analog film or photography is time intensive. We aim for 3-month residencies to achieve an optimal workflow that will lead up to new works, new working methods or research.

During the residency, the public is kept updated about the process, as the residency artist publishes regularly on our social media, Facebook and Instagram. At the end of the residency, the artist makes a presentation, which can be a lecture, film screening, expanded cinema performance or exhibition of the new work.

The guest artist writes a report on the stay, the research, the process and the result.

What do we offer?

• An individual residency of three months including accommodation, 24/7 access to Filmverkstaden facilities and a grant of 1000€/month. The grant is intended to cover the cost of living.
• A material grant: A grant of 500€/month is offered to cover material costs.
• Grant for slow travel: Residents are encouraged to opt for slow travel. Slow travel means avoiding flying and other ecologically unsustainable means of transport.
• Accommodation: Filmverkstaden offers a 30m2 apartment in an old wooden building in a quiet area in the centre of Vaasa close to Filmverkstaden. It is possible to bring family or a friend to join or visit during the residency.
• Working space: Filmverkstaden offers 24/7 access to its facilities. There are fully functioning dark rooms with equipment. The general workspace is shared with others.
• Peaceful working environment: Filmverkstaden is based in Vaasa, the sunniest city of Finland. The small and friendly city with the peaceful rural surroundings provide a productive setting for focusing on your work.
• Workshop: Each artist invited to the residency is offered a tailor made workshop in the beginning of their residency. The workshop kick-starts the research and production and is tailored to the proposed work plan offering new techniques and knowledge. The workshops are led by internationally renowned artists.
• Assistance: Senior members of Filmverkstaden are employed as technical assistants, contact persons and/or guides embedding the guest artists in a local context.
• Possibilities for presentation of the project.

Who can apply?

For the AA residency, we welcome applicants who are a professional visual artist based in one of the Nordic or Baltic countries, except for Finland. The program welcomes applications from artists at an established point in their practice, although not necessarily working predominantly with audiovisual art. No previous experience with analogue film or photography is needed.

When?

We have 5 time slots available:

October-December 2024

January-March 2025

April-June 2025

July-September 2025

October-December 2025

Application

• Workplan
• CV
• Portfolio
• Free formulated letter of intent stating preferred timeslot.
• Bundle all documents into one pdf, with your firstname_lastname as title.
• Send in your application on September 9th or before to [email protected]

Inquiries [email protected]

Generously supported by

Nordic Culture Point

Konstsamfundet