Artist-in-residence programs and other residency opportunities exist to invite artists, academicians, curators, and all manner of creative people for a time and space away from their usual environment. They provide a time of reflection, research, presentation and/or production. They also allow individuals to explore his/her practice within another community; meeting new people, using new materials, experiencing life in a new location. Art residencies emphasize the importance of meaningful and multi-layered cultural exchange and immersion into another culture.

The residencies for national and international artists are the main program of Hai Art. They will give Hailuoto international exchange and will raise substance to the island by creating art sites and events which bring specific visitors to the island. Ideally they will create work and ideas for projects with local farmers, tourist businesses, teachers and art providers.

In Hailuoto the Artist-in-residence program is directed at interdisciplinary art forms. Some emphasis will lie on the idea of sound (Soiva Saari). Each invited artist has to leave a piece of art or a meaningful impact on the island.

If we succeed to build a growing sound installation program in Hailuoto, that could gain a unique long term perspective of an “Island of nature and art”. Art will be a big part of the island and a reason to visit and enjoy the island beyond beaches culture and nature sites.

The first artist / curators we invite are 2 cultural innovators Adam Sutherland and Maria Benjamin from Grizedale Arts (UK) . Follow the public event here!



Both people and their work have inspired the founding and creation of Hai Art. They visit Hailuoto from 2nd to 5th of March 2012 and will give a public presentation on the 4th of March in HAIKU with coffee and cake they are making.

Next idea is a sound room installation in Marjaniemi. Find more info here: Sound Room Marjaniemi