HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme

HIAP was founded in 1998 by a coalition of arts organizations and in May 1999 first artists arrived in HIAP Cable Factory studios. Completely rebuilt new studios were opened in the summer 2006. Since the beginning of 2009 HIAP is coordinating the international residency activities at the Palmstierna studio complex on the historical fortress island of Suomenlinna, a Unesco World Heritage -site. HIAP has also two gallery spaces, HIAP Gallery Augusta and the adjoining Project Space on Suomenlinna island.

The central focus of HIAP residency programmes is to provide opportunities for local and international artists and curators to conduct research, build networks and engage in an interdisciplinary dialogue with the HIAP community. The duration of the residencies is usually between 1-3 months.

HIAP encourages artists-in-residence to carry out collaborations with local artists and arts organisations and to realise projects accessible to a wide range of audiences. While working on their projects during the residency, the artists have access to HIAP administrative support and to contacts with local arts professionals and organisations. The artists have a chance to give a presentation about their work process in form of an open studio event.