Artist Niko Hallikainen has been chosen as the recipient of the Mind the Gap Residency, 2023. He will spend three months from July until September at Acme’s Fire Station building in Poplar, London.

Niko Hallikainen is a performance poet and novelist born and based in Helsinki. He writes prose in Finnish and performance poetry in English. In his intense and transgressive solo shows, Niko observes the ambivalent intersections of class, sexuality and spirituality, while reading his lyrical writing against ambient soundscapes. Niko’s most prominent performance piece Black Mercedes (2021) is a 5-hour poem written and performed to the televised broadcast of Princess Diana’s funeral. Niko has premiered works in the programmes of Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Flow Festival and Baltic Circle International Theater Festival in Helsinki.

“The streets of London appear labyrinthine to me, there are constantly unexpected pathways that don’t show or make sense on a map, you really have to live your way through the city, which raises kinesthetic awareness. I’m more present in my body here.” Niko Hallikainen

Read the full interview with Niko Hallikainen on Acme’s website.

Mind the Gap Residency

Hosted by Acme as part of our 50th anniversary year, the Mind the Gap residency is intended for a Finnish or Finland-based artist facing additional barriers to their artistic practice, and whose practice is aligned to – and would benefit from attendance at and participation in – the 2023 Res Artis conference, Mind the Gap: Designing residencies for everyone.

Acme

Acme is a charity based in London which provides affordable studios, work/live space and a programme of residencies and awards. Acme’s mission is to support artists in necessitous circumstances.

This year, Acme has embarked upon a year-long programme of events, awards and wider initiatives to mark 50 years of supporting artists.

Photo: Tristan Petsola

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