An artist residency is more than just an opportunity for an artist to immerse themselves in their work. This was the reasoning of the expert panel for residency support when, under the framework of the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture, they awarded a total of €488,000 in funding to twelve residency centers across the Nordic and Baltic regions.
“The committee was looking for a certain spark – something that goes beyond a solid concept. We were interested in how the applicants bring their vision to life, not only in how they support artists, but in how they engage with the world around them,” says Mari-Liis Rebane, chair of the decision-making expert committee.
“A good residency to illustrate that was Verpėjos – an artist-run residency space in a Lithuanian rural area that supports sustainable art by combining traditional crafts and contemporary practices while promoting low-impact living and local materials,” she continues.
As in previous rounds, the experts also aimed for a representative distribution across different art fields and geographical areas.
Added value in dialogue
Strong candidates demonstrated clear and inspiring ways of connecting with both international networks and their local communities.
“We valued those who actively present work to the public and create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, exchange, and visibility,” says Mari-Liis Rebane.
As an example of meaningful international collaboration, she highlights the Nordic-Baltic Sound Residency Network (with the lead partner Lithuanian Composers Union, Lithuania, and partners from Notam in Norway, Sound Art Lab in Denmark, and Inkonst in Sweden), which offers a cross-residency program for sound artists in the Nordic-Baltic region.
“BEK – Bergen Centre for Electronic Arts (Norway) distinguished themselves with a strong focus on experimental projects that explore the relationship between art and technology. Artists get access to high-end studios, workshops, and public presentation opportunities, while being part of a supportive creative community,” she continues.
According to Mari-Liis Rebane, the selected residencies stood out for offering more than just space — they provide a context: a thoughtful, inspiring environment where artists can experiment, grow, and connect.
“Whether through strong curatorial frameworks, active partnerships, or informal community gatherings, these programs show a commitment to artistic development that is rooted, relevant, and outward-looking,” she concludes.