Recoding Realities—Residency Open Call for Media Artists in London
M-Cult, Art and Media Culture Agency in Helsinki and Arebyte Digital Art Centre in London, in collaboration with the Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland, are delighted to launch a new joint residency initiative bringing together intersecting fields of art, media and technology.
The initiative highlights socially and politically focused artistic practices that connect local communities to global concerns. Drawing from arebyte’s 2026-2028 programme theme REBOOT: Recoding Realities and on the partner organisations’ mutual interest in exploring social, technological and ecological regeneration.
This residency programme is aimed at reimaging more equitable worlds where humans have agency over technology and outwardly connect with and care for their environments. It opens questions such as: How can people reorganise into more sustainable ways of living? What can humans learn from alternative ways of existing? How can individuals achieve technological agency?
About the programme
The pilot residency programme will host one Finnish or Finland-based artist in London and one British or UK-based artist in Helsinki during the Autumn 2026. The selected artists will bring their practices to discursive events in Helsinki and London.
The Finland-based or Finnish artist is selected through this open call, run by M-Cult and the Finnish Culture Institute in the UK and Ireland. The UK-based artist is then selected by the arebyte Digital Art Centre's team, responding to the practice of the chosen artist, so that the residencies resonate with each other.
The London residency
The residency in London takes place in October 2026 and lasts 4 weeks. It is open to artists of any background and career stage who are Finnish citizens or based in Finland. The call is for individual artists; we are unable to host collectives, working groups, or accompanying family members.
What we offer:
- 4 weeks of accommodation in London, travel and visa costs.
- Access to arebyte’s studio space (located on the second floor, this is a 200sqft studio equipped with a desk and shared with a local artist)
- €1,500 artist fee
- Small production reimbursement
During the residency, the selected artist will:
- Develop their practice through in-depth or focused research during the residency period.
- Receive mentoring and curatorial support from the organisations' staff and invited professionals in the UK.
- Access to technical support and facilities to advance their artistic work at arebyte Digital Art Centre.
- Engage in networking opportunities within the media art and contemporary art scene in the UK, helping to foster future professional connections.
- Expected to present their artistic practice and research in a public event.
Who can apply?
- Finnish or Finland-based artists
- Individual artists. This opportunity is not open to collectives
- Artists working within the field of media and digital arts, whose practice responds to the open call framework ‘Recoding Realities’.
- Applicants must be available to travel to London for four weeks in October 2026 to take part in the residency programme
To apply, please send us the following documents:
- A brief letter of motivation, including a research plan for the residency period and how it connects with the Recording Realities framework and what would you like to focus on your residency period (max 1-2 pages).
- Your CV and a link to your portfolio. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in our work. We welcome applicants at all stages of their career and from all backgrounds.
Submit your application in English by 30 May 2026 at 23.59 (BST) by using the form below:
Interviews with shortlisted artists will be held online before 19th of June. Applicants will be notified via email by the end of June.
About the jury
The jury consists of representatives of partnering institutions:
Jussi Koitela, Director, M-Cult
Pita Arreola, Head of Programmes, Arebyte Digital Art Centre
Sara Kärpänen, Arts and Society Programme Director, Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland
About the accessibility
The studio is located on the second floor and is accessible via a lift. The building has step-free access via a ramp at the main entrance. Accessible toilets are available on each floor.
If you have specific access requirements or questions about the space, please feel free to get in touch.
Information about the partners
Art & Media Culture Agency M-Cult (opens a new window)
Founded in 2000, M-Cult develops and presents art and media culture, with a focus on the social and political dimensions of media and technology. We connect artists and local communities to global concerns, operating through art commissions, residencies and learning programmes.
Arebyte Digital Art Centre (opens a new window)
Arebyte Digital Art Centre in London explores how technology shapes contemporary culture through exhibitions and public programmes. Founded in 2013, arebyte works with artists across emerging technologies, including AI, game engines, and virtual environments, supporting the production and presentation of critically engaged digital art. Its programme spans international exhibitions and collaborations, alongside studios, residencies, workshops, and artist development opportunities, creating a space for research, public engagement, and new ways of experiencing digital art.
Finnish Institute in UK and Ireland
The Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland supports the internationalisation of Finnish and Finland-based artists, researchers and social actors. As the leading expert on Finnish culture and society, the Institute enables societal change through art and culture, empowering diverse perspectives and fostering a more inclusive cultural landscape for all. Founded in 1991, the Institute is a non-profit, private foundation funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.
Funding and Support
Collaboration is supported through M-Cult's international development collaboration project, Finnish Media Art Networks. The project will be carried out with AV-arkki and the Finnish Light Art Society FLASH, and funded by the Finnish Arts and Culture Agency.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply more than once with several proposals?
We only accept one submission per artist. If you submit two proposals we will only review the one which was submitted earlier.
I’m in a collective, can we apply together?
This open call is only open to individual artists.
What do you mean by socially and politically focused artistic practices?
We define socially and politically focused artistic practices as work that engages with or responds to the contemporary social and political landscape.
When will I hear back once I submit my residency application?Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview, scheduled to take place by 19 June. All applicants will be notified of the outcome via email by the end of June.
What is expected of me if I get selected for the residency by the panel of judges?
If you are selected for the residency programme, you are expected to travel to London in October 2026 for four weeks to develop your proposed plan and present your work at a public event.
Can my partner, friend or a child join?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate anyone other than the participating artist for this opportunity.
For more information, contact:
Jussi Koitela, Director of M-Cult
jussi.koitela@m-cult.org (opens a new window)
Sara Kärpänen, Arts and Society Programme Director, Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland
sara.karpanen@fininst.uk (opens a new window)
Photo: arebyte Digital Art Centre