For creative minds
& professionals from
all the fields of

Arts | Literature | Design
Psychology | Philosophy
Science | Research
Mindfulness

INTRODUCTION

Focus on the essentials

Stop the information overflow, go offline and get back to focus in a supportive, natural environment in the middle of the Northern summer.

Back to Basics is a multidisciplinary residency program that allows artists to clear their minds, get back to focus, and (re)discover the very basis of their being. Take a break from your phone, reconnect with your creativity, be part of nature and learn to stay present again.

As the emphasis in this program is on reconnecting with your creative practice and being, no predetermined project plan is required. Participants are encouraged to arrive with their minds open for on-site observations, ideas, self-reflection and interacting with other residents. With support from the professional staff, facilities, and the program structure, Back to Basics allows you to go back to what matters to you.

No wifi, no smartphones - presence and pure nature

The program encourages you to step away from the usual ways of escapism, be present where you are, and see how your concentration skills, creativity, and productivity improve. To make this happen, the use of cellphones is not allowed and internet access is limited in this program. Residents also have the possibility to participate in daily meditation sessions. (See program details below.)

The summer season is ideal for exploring and getting inspired by the rich Finnish nature surrounding Arteles Creative Center. There are countless forests, fields, lakes, and small countryside roads in the region. Thanks to Finland’s everyman’s rights, they can all be explored freely.

Summer is full of light: even late into the night, it’s bright enough to go for a walk in the forest. Seasonal berries and mushrooms can be picked from the yard and the woods, and when it’s time to get relaxed, the residency center’s traditional wood-burning sauna is the place to be.

The program structure is designed to be supportive yet open and flexible. Depending on your own preference and interests, you can focus intensively on your own topics of interest, aim at on-site collaborations, or combine both. In either case, the emphasis is on your own creative process and development, and there is no outcome expectations or pressure to produce finalized works.

Who can apply

• Emerging and professional artists, writers, designers from all fields of creativity

• Researchers, scientists, philosophers, psychologists engaged with areas such as Nature / Plants / Fungi / Psychology / Psychedelic Research / Philosophy / Cosmology / Neuroscience / Meditation / Mysticism / Spirituality / Metaphysics / Math & Physics.
  
  Guidelines

• We do not require a predefined project proposal in the application, as we understand that in the creative field, your interests, methods, and focus tend to shift and evolve throughout the process.

• A finalized outcome is not required by the end of the program — we understand that there are many phases and aspects of one's creative process, each playing an important role in contributing to the unfolding of outcomes.

• In the selection process, the applicant's motivation, ideas, approach and alignment with the program are emphasized.
  
  Deadline for applications: 23rd of January 2025 (Timezone UTC-10 at 23:59)
  
  Eligibility

• Minimum age is 23 (in 2025)

• A university degree (minimum BA), exceptions may be made for individuals with relevant experience

• Only individual applicants (Duos, please send two separate applications and mention the other in the "extra notes")

• Children are not permitted in the residency

• Acknowledgment regarding health and well-being: Due to the nature of activities such as meditation and the absence of distractions, which may bring forth traumatic memories and sensations, it is important to note that this program may not be suitable for individuals coping with severe trauma or serious mental disorders.

If you need any help or more information, please contact: info@arteles.org