Open Call: Studio Spaces for Rent on Vartiosaari Island
Vartiosaari Artists Ry is offering two studio spaces for rent in our unique artist house, nestled in the wild nature of Vartiosaari — a secluded island located in the heart of Helsinki.
We support artists by offering affordable studio spaces in an inspiring, nature-immersed setting. Our community brings together creative individuals with a shared interest in environmental research, eco-queer politics, and multispecies care.
About the Studios
Each private studio is 8–9 m², furnished with a desk, chair, and bed, and designed to function as a self-organized residency, where the tenant may occasionally stay overnight. In addition to your studio, you’ll have access to:
Shared kitchen, living room, and workshop
A garden and barbecue area
Our rowing boats for island access
Opportunities to organize and participate in performative workshops and our annual Open Studios Festival, featuring performances, screenings, and exhibitions
We also host international guest artists and curators in a separate residency studio, contributing to a vibrant, evolving artistic network.
Who We're Looking For
We invite individual artists, collectives, and institutions to apply. We’re especially interested in those whose practice would benefit from close contact with nature and community life.
You should be:
Independent and responsible
Open to learning skills such as rowing and year-round house maintenance
Willing to contribute to community efforts and activities
Excited to host or organize your own events as part of your practice
Please note that the house is maintained entirely through community effort, and currently operates without external funding.
Details
Rent: €168/month (includes all utilities)
Minimum rental period: 6 months
Security deposit: 1 month’s rent (refundable upon satisfactory checkout)
Notice period: 2 months written notice required to vacate
Application deadline: August 2, 2025
Studio viewings: August 4–5 or by arrangement — please email us to schedule
Move-in date: Starting August 6
How to Apply
Please send a motivation letter to vartiosaariartists@gmail.com telling us:
Why you would like to join our community
How your practice would benefit from having a studio on Vartiosaari
We look forward to hearing from you!
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Vartiosaari Artists Ry

Vacant studio #1
Vacant studio #2

Ongoing Open Call:
Become a Member of Vartiosaari Artists Ry
Annual Membership: €120 / year
Vartiosaari Artists Ry is currently welcoming new members to join our artist-led association. By becoming a member, you gain access to the Artist House, allotment garden, and the opportunity to participate in exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout the year.
This open call is ongoing and open to practitioners of all nationalities and backgrounds.
Who We’re Looking For
We invite artists, architects, ecologists, designers, filmmakers, musicians, and other creative practitioners who are interested in working in close connection with Vartiosaari Island — its ecology, history, and community.
We prioritize individuals who seek a shared, safe working environment with a holistic and respectful approach to the island’s unique environment and local inhabitants.
Who We Are
Vartiosaari Artists Ry is a nonprofit, artist-run organization working across disciplines such as visual art, film, and ecological research. Our work is rooted in the preservation and care of Vartiosaari ("Guard Island") — a rare natural site whose biodiversity and cultural significance remain intact despite its proximity to central Helsinki.
Our association aims to resist urban overdevelopment and foster a community of cultural workers dedicated to environmental stewardship, experimentation, and collective learning.
What Membership Includes
1. Access to shared Artist House spaces, including:
Kitchen
Living room
Workshop / presentation room (bookable for exhibitions, screenings, and workshops)*
2.Use of the Artist House rowing boats (on a first-come, first-serve basis).
Members are expected to communicate and coordinate with others when using the boat.
A public ferry also runs daily in summer from 10am to 7pm.
More ferry info here
3.Opportunity to participate in Vartiosaari Artists Ry’s annual August art events, including performances, workshops, and exhibitions.
4.Use of the presentation space on the first floor of the house.
*Note: This is a raw, shared workspace — not a formal gallery — but may be used for solo or group activities in coordination with the association.
Membership Fees & Purpose
Annual Fee: €120
Membership fees help cover:
Maintenance of the Artist House and boats
Production costs for our annual events and public programming
Note: None of the membership fees are used for personal profit. All funds are reinvested into shared resources and community programming.
How to Apply
To apply, please send an email to vartiosaariartists@gmail.com with:
A short statement about why you would like to become a member
Your artistic or research interests and any projects you’d like to develop in collaboration with the community
Whether you already have a connection to Vartiosaari
This membership open call is ongoing throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming new voices into our community!
—
Vartiosaari Artists Ry
www.vartiosaari.fi
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