Apply for Sivuosassa Project
Kauno ry is calling for artists for an artistic project exploring other-than-human species and systems, based on an artist–researcher mentorship model.
About Kauno ry
We are an umbrella organization for professional visual arts associations in the Päijät-Häme region. Our member associations are Lahden Taiteilijaseura ry., Lahden Taidegraafikot ry. and Lahden Valokuvataide ry.
We want to convey meaning. We carry out a variety of projects and initiatives that advance the field of visual arts. Through our work, we aim to promote equality and planetary wellbeing. We are committed to the principles of socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable development.
We want to enable encounters. Our most visible platform for audiences is GUK (Galleria Uusi Kipinä). In addition to exhibitions, GUK hosts workshops, discussions, and other gatherings around art.
About the Sivuosassa Project
The sustainability transition requires radical cultural change in how we understand other species and our own place within ecosystems. Sivuosassa approaches this question from a perspective in which other-than-human species and the systems they form are not only subjects of protection, but also agents, participants, teachers, sources of knowledge, and models.
Sivuosassa examines other-than-human organisms and systems through the logics of art and research-based knowledge, in shared processes. How do other species organize life, communicate, build communities and models of collaboration?
A fixed framework is the idea that through combining different processes, art, science, and the human species can expand their understanding and promote equal agency alongside other living beings, and in doing so imagine and enable alternative futures.
Artists selected through an open call will develop their work within a mentorship model in which both artists and researchers have the opportunity to broaden and deepen their thinking. The process includes a public discussion event where the projects are presented.
The works produced through the Sivuosassa project will be brought together in an exhibition at GUK (Galleria Uusi Kipinä) in Lahti.
About the Application Process
Apply for Sivuosassa. Please note that we are not looking for finished works. The aim of the project is to develop new works during the project. However, an existing artistic idea or project in progress may be used as a starting point. Please include in your application:
- A freely written motivation letter (approx. one A4 page) in which you describe:
- Who are you?
- What is at the core of your artistic practice?
- Why did this project interest you?
- What do you feel you can contribute to the project’s themes?
- What do you expect from the project?
- Portfolio (PDF or a link to an online portfolio)
- CV
Please send your application as a single PDF file by 30 June 2026 to
toiminnanjohtaja [ät] kauno.fi.
Timeline
Lähetä hakemuksesi 30.6. klo 23.59 mennessä.
Taiteilijavalinnoista ilmoitetaan heinäkuun 2026 loppuun mennessä.
Taiteilijat julkistetaan yleisölle elokuussa 2026.
Projektin työskentelyosuus toteutetaan ajalla 1.8.2026–30.4.2027.
Näyttelyn ajankohta on 26.5.–13.6.2027.
Fees and Funding
Artists selected for the Sivuosassa project will receive a project fee of €500. A budget has also been reserved for artists’ material costs. We encourage artists to make as much use of recycled materials as possible in their working process.
Project is supportet by Maj ja Tor Nessling säätiö.
Questions?
Get in touch.
Janika Salonen
toiminnanjohtaja [ät] kauno.fi
tel. 044 984 1514 (best reached tue–fri, 12:00–15:30
