Open Call: Residences in Rome, Oder, and Ruovesi

Kuvittajat ry is once again collaborating on residencies for illustrators. Next year’s selection is diverse, with residencies available in Rome, Frankfurt an der Oder, and Ruovesi. The Athens residence is temporarily closed for renovations next year.

Residencies last 2–4 weeks and are free of charge for full members of Kuvittajat ry. Illustrators selected for residencies in Italy and Germany will receive a travel grant of 200 euros – traveling by land is recommended.

If you are not a full member of Kuvittajat ry, please attach an up-to-date CV and a portfolio that clearly shows you meet the professional criteria. The criteria are the same as for full membership. For non-members, the price of the residence is €300–450.

Please get to know the residencies before submitting your application. Those selected for residencies are required to have a valid travel insurance. All illustrators selected for residencies agree to provide a short text and image/illustration for the association’s communications.

The application period for all residencies ends on December 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Applications will be processed by a jury of illustrators who have previously been in Kuvittajat ry residencies. Applications received after the application period is closed will not be processed. Decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Questions about applying? Contact the organization coordinator Emilia: emilia.alm@kuvittajat.fi

The residencies are funded by copyright remuneration collected by Kopiosto.

Historical and inspiring residence in Rome for one illustrator

Circolo Scandinavo / Rome, Italy

May 15 – 31, 2026

Circolo Scandinavo is a Nordic association that has been operating in Rome since 1860. The association promotes cultural exchange between the Nordic countries, Italy, and the rest of the world. Circolo Scandinavo offers a unique and inspiring environment for Nordic artists who need space to focus on their work and find inspiration. Over the years, Circolo Scandinavo has welcomed many distinguished guests, including Henrik Ibsen, Selma Lagerlöf, Sigrid Undset, Halldór Laxness, and Evert Taube. August Strindberg has also left his signature in the guest book. Circolo Scandinavo became an artist residence in the 1960s and has been supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers since 1975. It has operated at several addresses in Rome. Since 2022, it has been located on the Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills, in the beautiful San Saba district.

The residence provides cleaning of the common areas twice a week, as well as bed linen and towels. The illustrator is responsible for keeping their room tidy during their stay and cleaning it before departure. The illustrator has access to a washing machine and a kitchen equipped with the necessary basic utensils. During this period, the residence will organize approximately two common meals, which the illustrator is welcome to attend. The illustrator is responsible for other food preparation and living expenses and must keep the kitchen tidy.

The residence is free of charge for full members of Kuvittajat ry, and those selected for the residence will be awarded a travel grant of 200 euros.

If the selected illustrator is not a member of Kuvittajat ry, the price of the residence period is 300€.

Residence for two illustrators in the lively town of Oder on the German-Polish border

Särö / Frankfurt an den Oder, Germany

May 11 – 24, 2026

The artist and scientist residence maintained by Särö is in Frankfurt an der Oder, on the banks of the river Oder on the border between Germany and Poland, an hour’s train ride east of Berlin. The Polish town of Słubice is a 15-minute walk away. The twin city is known for its Viadrina University and international cultural festivals, among other things. The residence is located on a quiet side street in a former factory building completed in the early 20th century. The bright apartment offers expansive views of the river. The art factory-style building complex that houses the residence also includes the Kuma cultural center, two theaters, a concert hall, a breakfast and lunch café, a local food market, and artists’ studios. The most important services, such as grocery stores, ATMs, and restaurants, are within walking distance. The north-south Oder-Neisse cycle route, which stretches from the Czech Republic to the Baltic Sea, runs under the windows of the residence.

Things to note about the residence:

The residence apartment is reserved for two illustrators for two weeks and the bedrooms are 10m² and 16m² in size – The recipient of the larger room will be selected by a draw when choosing the residents. The space also includes a living room/common area, kitchen, and bathroom. Residents may have visitors, but they may not stay overnight. The residence facilities are not intended for oil painting or other activities that leave marks or cause odors.

The residence is free of charge for full members of Kuvittajat ry, and those selected for the residence will be awarded a travel grant of 200 euros. The selected illustrator is responsible for their own accommodation costs.

If the selected illustrator is not a member of Kuvittajat ry, the price of the residence period is 300€.

Local residence in an evocative bookshop in Ruovesi for one illustrator

Vinhan kirjakauppa / Ruovesi

April 10 – May 8, 2026

Kuvittajat ry offers its members the opportunity to stay at the Vinha bookstore in Ruovesi.

The Vinha bookstore is an idyllic cultural and tourist destination in the center of Ruovesi, with a traditional brick and mortar store on the ground floor. The upper floor offers cozy accommodation. The building also houses the bookstore’s own art gallery and café, which are open when the bookstore is open. Bookbinder Kustaa Wilenius (1873–1962) founded the bookstore in 1903, and the building was completed in 1931. In 2023, the building underwent a thorough renovation. Artists who have sought inspiration in Ruovesi and worked there over the years include for example Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Hugo Simberg, Ellen Thesleff, Louis Sparre, Jean Sibelius, and J. L. Runeberg.

The room available to the illustrator selected for the residence for one month is the peaceful Library Room. The residence primarily offers a one month period of working peace for one illustrator. It is also possible to apply for a two week period. Please read the residence rules in advance before applying. The residence is free of charge for full members of Kuvittajat ry, but the selected illustrator is responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. On arrival, the illustrator must present a valid accident insurance for the period of residence.

If the selected illustrator is not a member of Kuvittajat ry, the price of the residence period is 450€.