Linus Riepler
HIAP (Helsinki International Artist Programme) was already launched in 1998, and the professionalism of the team reflects their long-standing experience. It is well established in Finland and offers really great studios, much exchange, a varied program and an informal environment that made me feel at home.
Those who like to network can really thrive here, but those who like to work without being disturbed in their studios are also in the right place. The residency team is highly committed and, no matter what you need, they are able to help. The residency is truly international, with people from all over the world taking part. Half the residents are curators with stays of varying duration. As a result, HIAP offers opportunities for many studio visits.
There are two locations: the Cable Factory on the mainland and the island of Suomenlinna where I was able to stay. The island is a unique place with a very interesting history. Initially, I often went to Helsinki, but then less and less, and finally, I hardly ever left the island. The studio is marvelous and large. You can fully focus on your work here, without any disturbances. You only have to get used to the tourists who come in droves to roam around like lemmings. However, their number declines over time in parallel to the temperatures. Shortly before the end of my stay, there was an Open Studio Day that was very well attended. Still, you are not forced to do anything. You may show work in progress, completed work or nothing at all, depending on your own preferences. And that is precisely the strength of HIAP. No matter which way you want to go, you can do so and will be supported. I really enjoyed it very much to fully focus on my work. Still, I had many exchanges with colleagues who all worked on very exciting and completely different projects and gave me a lot of new input. There were great substance-related discussions as well as time and space for intensively dealing with your own work, challenge things and develop themes. And then there was space and opportunity to implement a large installation – in this regard, I very much appreciated the residency’s own wood workshop.
The stay was incredibly enriching for me. I return home with lots of ideas on my mind and new friends in my heart. Many thanks to BMKOES for making this wonderful time possible for me!
| 1. | My stay in one word: |
| Perfect | |
| 2. | Dos & don’ts in this place: |
| Everything’s possible, no obligations. Just do not lose the front door key! | |
| 3. | Things I miss since I am no longer there: |
| The sea, the tranquility, the community with the residency colleagues and the wood workshop | |
| 4. | Where to shop great supplies: |
| Clas Ohlsen, a mix of DIY and general store | |
| 5. | What you should definitely bring with you from home: |
| Clothes for all weathers | |
| 6. | Concerning art at this destination and where I visited the best exhibitions: |
| The HIAP team provides the residents with newsletters and information on uncountable openings. There are great museums and numerous off-spaces, but it is not always easy to find out what is really interesting. | |
| 7. | Around the studio – where I shop, drink my coffee and get the best lunch deal in walking distance: |
| On Suomenlinna, there are few options and still you get everything. At the only supermarket you surprisingly find almost everything you need. I only had coffee at home in order to avoid the tourists. There is an inexpensive restaurant offering a buffet lunch opposite the ferry port. I was there several times and can recommend it. Suomenlinna has just one bar, Linna Bar, which is very nice, but beer is so expensive in Finland that you can only afford a single one. | |
| 8. | Where I like to spend the evening (dinner, drinks, best sound and networking opportunity): |
| We often met at our studios. In summer, there was a festival on the island with concerts and performances, but most of the time we met privately. If you want to, you can, of course, go to Helsinki anytime. | |
| 9. | What would have been useful to know before coming here and starting my residency: |
| The studio and the entire program is really perfect and so well organized that I actually had been informed about everything before I arrived. |
Website resident: linusriepler.eu