Each year in July\/August, TaikaBox runs a two-week Warjakka Artist
\nResidency. Three artists \u2013 one from Finland and two from overseas, from
\ndifferent art backgrounds are selected to take part. The residency is
\norganised in a small village called Varjakka in Oulunsalo in the bay of
\nKempele. It is located 18km SouthWest of Oulu.<\/p>\n
The aim of the residency is to develop process-led interdisciplinary
\ncollaboration between the artists through site-specific work. The
\nresidency benefits from the rich local cultural heritage, the empty
\nbuildings of the old Warjakka sawmill on Varjakka island and the natural
\nbeauty of the area. The residency is part of a larger cultural
\ndevelopment taking place in the area, which also includes Warjakka
\nVirtual Gallery housed by Warjakka Gardens alongside the road to
\nVarjakka harbour. Artists in the residency have the possibility of
\nutilising the virtual gallery in their work or have potential to work
\nremotely and show their work in the virtual gallery.<\/p>\n
The aim of the residency is also to create dialogue between the local
\ncommunity and the visiting artists. Artists are required to contribute
\nto the vibrancy of the cultural activity in the area by providing the
\npublic with ways in to their creative process. This could include
\nmeet-the-artist events, workshops or other ways of connecting with the
\ncommunity.<\/p>\n
Artists are selected for the residency through an open call in Spring.
\nTaikaBox pays the artists’ fees, accommodation, travel and per diems.
\nArtists are housed as part of the local community and therefore
\naccommodation can vary each year depending on the availability of the
\naccommodation and the artists’ needs.<\/p>\n