The Helsinki to Hong Kong Exchange Programme

Offering supported opportunities to artists

Open call for residencies for MEDIA ARTISTS

based in Greater Helsinki Region to Hong Kong

Residency Period: 1 - 30 November 2025

Number of artists: 2 individual artists

Submission Period: 24 Mar - 30 Apr 2025

Deadline: 30 Apr 2025 23:59pm (Hong Kong Time)

The Helsinki to Hong Kong Exchange Programme, initiated by nProjekt, facilitates cultural exchange and artistic collaboration between media artists based in Helsinki and the vibrant art scene of Hong Kong. The programme provides two selected artists with an exceptional opportunity to exhibit a series of artworks alongside local Hong Kong media artists. This fully-funded cultural exchange will enable the selected artists to immerse themselves in the distinctive environment of one of Asia's most celebrated metropolises and to develop their artistic practice within a specific cultural context. Initiated and organised by nProjekt in collaboration with Helsinki partner Myymälä2, local venue collaborators Mooroom and Pointsman Artspace, and supported by the Hong Kong ArtsDevelopment Council, this exchange aims to promote cross-cultural dialogue and innovation in media arts.

Who Can Apply

The Helsinki to Hong Kong Exchange Programme is open to all media artists residing in the Greater Helsinki region, irrespective of nationality, age, or career stage. Priority will be accorded to artists who do not need a visa for short-term visits to Hong Kong, in accordance with the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s regulations.

Please refer to this webpage for further details:

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html#part2

Applicants must possess effective English communication skills and demonstrate a commitment to innovative and experimental artistic practice within the media arts discipline. It is important to note that this opportunity is not currently available to artist collectives or collaborative teams.

What the Programme Offers

The Helsinki to Hong Kong Exchange Programme provides selected artists with a comprehensive support package, which encompasses:

- An honorarium of HKD 8,000.

- A one-month stay in Hong Kong, including accommodation and international travel (economy class).

- A production budget of up to HKD 25,000 to cover all costs associated with the proposed exhibition of a series of 3-5 artworks, such as materials, artwork transport, equipment hire and professional support.

- Curatorial guidance and production support from nProjekt.

- An exhibition opportunity at an artist-run space in Hong Kong to showcase the artist's work alongside local artists in a 2-3 week exhibition as part of the Non-Local Non-Solo series.

- Installation and dismantling support

Residency Requests

The selected artist will be expected to engage fully with the exchange programme, which will include:

- Showcasing a series of 3-5 existing or ongoing artworks for the exhibition in a space of 300-400 sq ft.

- Participating in all promotional and community activities related to the residency and exhibition.

- Demonstrating a high level of self-reliance and initiative, as the residency operates with limited

administrative resources.

- Ensuring that their proposed artworks are feasible for travel and installation in the provided exhibition

space.

- Communicating effectively in English.

What to Expect

Participants can anticipate an enriching experience that integrates professional development with cultural immersion. The residency provides access to an artist-run space in the heart of Hong Kong, along with basic facilities and audiovisual equipment. Artists will have the opportunity to engage with the local arts community, participate in various cultural events, and explore the diverse artistic landscape of Hong Kong. The residency is scheduled for November 2025, a culturally vibrant month that offers a rich social and artistic environment as well as favourable weather conditions in Southeast Asia.

What is the Non-Solo Exhibition the Selected Artist Will Participate In

The Non-Solo series was launched in 2021, showcasing local artists in Hong Kong during the pandemic. Since 2024, it has expanded internationally, introducing the Non-Local Non-Solo initiative, which invites overseas artists to exhibit in Hong Kong.

Each Non-Solo exhibition consists of two distinct but interrelated sections: a Solo section and a Guest section. The Solo section presents a series of works by the selected artist, similar to a solo exhibition. Meanwhile, the Guest section presents a single work by each of three guest artists, chosen for their ability to engage with the themes, concepts, materials or artistic sensibilities of the featured artist. Through this curated interplay, the exhibition expands and enriches the thematic scope of the featured artist's work, fostering a dynamic and thought-provoking dialogue.

For the upcoming Non-Local Non-Solo exchange programme, the featured artists will be selected through this open call, inviting Helsinki-based practitioners to propose a series of works for the solo part of the exhibition.

Application Process

To apply for the opportunity, interested artists need to submit their applications as a single PDF file (with a maximum size of 5 MB) between March 24 and April 30, 2025. The application must include the following:

1. A Motivation Statement (maximum 1000 characters).

2. A Short Bio and CV (maximum 1 page).

3. A Portfolio showcasing a selection of your previous work (up to 10 images with detailed descriptions).

4. Proposed Series of Artworks for the Hong Kong Exhibition:

- Three to five existing or ongoing artworks

- Detailed images of artwork elements, installation views, technical specifications, and a series title

5. An Artist's Statement, outlining the concept and purpose of the proposed series (maximum 1000

characters).

6. Budget Breakdown including but not limited to: production/fabrication, equipment rental, materials,

professional/technical support, assistants, shipping, and insurance (maximum HKD 25,000)

7. List of Equipment and Technical Requirements (Both bringing from Helsinki and rental from Hong

Kong, with estimated costs included in the Budget).

Applications need to be submitted via email to:

non.local.non.solo@gmail.com

Subject of email: Helsinki to Hong Kong Exchange Programme

Submission: a single 5MB maximum PDF file (file name: HELSINKI_yourlastname_seriesname)

containing all required sections and images. All information should be included within the PDF file.

Necessary external links to video or audio should not require a password. Incomplete information will not

be considered. For further details and to access the application form, please visit: nprojekt.net/non-local

Due to limited administrative resources, we are unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful

applicants.