SUOMI

The idea of this Artist-in-Residence house/center has developed during the past 20 years, while the owner, visual artist/art teacher Jaana Lönnroos has herself visited many residences around the world. Through her own experience, she has gained knowledge of how an artist residence should operate, and understanding of its importance to an individual artist.

Sillanpää Art Residence has been open for artists from 2009. It is situated in Heivävesi, in the village of Varistaipale. Heinävesi being a culture orienteted region it welcomes artists from different fields. The province of Etelä-Savo - near the border of Karelia - offers visitors breathtaking views of Saimaa Lakeland. The nearby Orthodox Monasteries (Valamo and Lintula) may offer an intersting viewpoint to the artist, and possibilities for various projects and co-operation.

The idea of the residency is to create a place were professional artists can concentrate on their own artistic work as well as take part in the social life of the local community. Yet the residence program does not require any obligatory social commitment, but respects the individuality of the artist and their preferred way of working, either collectively or in solitude. The residence ackowledges the benefit of  being 'dislocated' from daily routine in order to renew and fully concentrate on creative processes.

Sillanpää Art Residence can accomondate 1-4 artists in two fully equipped apartments. The residence also offers possibilities for family accommodation. There is a small studio in the basement, and more space can be arraged depending on the artist's needs. Also a large yard and the surrounding area offer space for enviromental art projects/land art/performance/etc.