What could an artist residency programme that prioritises sustainability and environmental concerns look like?

The corona pandemic brought almost all travel to a halt, and also artist residencies have had to deal with a situation where mobility is no longer possible. At the same time, the climate crisis calls for a systemic reconfiguration of the whole artist residency system. How do artist residencies navigate this complex situation? What could an artist residency programme that prioritises sustainability and environmental concerns look like? We discussed the future of residencies with Sam Trotman, Timo Wright and Jaana Eskola.

Speakers: 

Sam Trotman is the Director of Scottish Sculpture Workshop, an international residency space in Aberdeenshire.

Media artist and film director Timo Wright represents Artist Residency Swap, a website and online community, where artists and other creatives can swap with each other their homes and workspaces or studios.

Jaana Eskola is coordinator of ecological activities at the Saari Residence. Jaana’s role involves developing Saari’s ecologically sustainable residency programme.

The discussion was moderated by Jaakko Nousiainen, head of arts and culture programme at the Finnish Institute. The conversation was documented by business illustrator Virpi Oinonen.

Present is a series of discussions focusing on the future of cultural events programming. Read more about the series here.