The Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Lapland, Kyushu University in Japan, and the Finnish Institute in Japan are launching a new international Bioart Residency Programme in Artistic Research for 2027–2028. The programme will strengthen collaboration between Finland and Japan at the intersection of art, science, and environmental research.

The programme focuses on bioart which encompasses artistic research related to material research, biology, ecology, biotechnology, environmental studies, and the relationship between humans and nature. The residencies aim to generate new perspectives on current environmental and sustainability issues while strengthening international collaboration in art and research.

The residency programme will also include public events such as artist talks, workshops, and exhibitions.

Each year, one artist will be selected through an open call. In 2027, a representative from the University of Lapland will be selected to undertake a residency at Kyushu University in Japan. Applicants from the University of Lapland may be doctoral researchers at the Faculty of Art and Design, artist-researchers who are members of the teaching or research staff of the faculty, or alumni of the faculty. In 2028, the programme will continue a reciprocal basis, with an artist selected from Kyushu University undertaking a residency at the University of Lapland.

The call for applications for the 2027 residency will open in October 2026. Detailed application guidelines will be published in October at the University of Lapland website. Applicants are encouraged to begin planning their residency period and preparing a research or artistic project related to the programme themes in advance.

The Finnish Institute in Japan will support the programme with up to €4,000 per residency. The funding covers travel, accommodation, and material costs. Residencies will last from one to three months.

Further information:

Heidi Pietarinen
Professor of Textiles
Faculty of Art and Design
heidi.pietarinen@ulapland.fi