What’s new at Platform?
May 2026
Platform’s first artist in residence for 2026 has arrived.
U.K. based artist, E.M. Parry will be staying at Platform until mid-July. On the 7th of May, Platform hosted Culture Soup & Artist talk – thanks to everyone who came out!
“My current body of work involves embroidering into silicone prosthetic bodies, positioning queer identity as a craft practice; a slow, hand-made process of self-fashioning, repair, and care. The project I’m working on at Platform investigates the impact of legal language and process on trans and queer bodies, inspired by an uncanny historical fact – in the UK, both historically and today – laws were written on vellum – calfskin: every law is a tattoo. Through the embroidery process, I reposition violence as resistance, and embodied craft. The residency is giving me unprecedented space and time for research and making, perfect for a process that resists haste and maximised productivity! I’m deep in the research right now, which currently centres around medieval trans saints – an interesting turn I hadn’t fully expected. I’m appreciating having the time to follow unexpected trails of research where they lead, and I’m already finding that the project is taking new and surprising directions.”
– E.M. Parry
In July, we have two more artists in residence arriving, Hannah Hoebeke & Li Actuallee.
Hannah Hoebeke will join us for a shorter residency as a part of Platform’s contribution to the Night of the Arts in Vaasa 13th of August. “Hoebeke is an artist from Ghent, Belgium, whose sculptures capture both personal and collective encounters. She transforms lightweight, everyday objects and people into solid clay forms, bridging the gap between the familiar and the unknown.”.
Mumbai-based artist, Li Actuallee will be staying at Platform until October.“Through repetitive gestures—whether a loop, stitch, or mark—I construct environments that evolve through re-articulation. Grounded in hope and utopian visions, my work honors the value of natural resources, including human labor. Repetition becomes a way to expand visual storytelling, connecting craft, queerness, and ecology.”
Open-call for residency 2027
More information about the theme for the residency of 2027 and the timeline for applications will be posted to our socials and website 1st of June. Keep your eyes peeled!
Support our work!
Like many other cultural organizations, the current political and economical reality in Finland leaves Platform and many others in a vulnerable position economically. Platform wishes to continue our work in contributing to a more diverse and international contemporary art scene in Vaasa and Ostrobothnia and you can help us do so by either becoming a member or engaging in our activities!
The membership invoices will be sent out shortly.
Unsure if you are a member or want to learn more about how to get involved? Contact us on platform.rf@gmail.com or slide us a DM.
Staff news
Platform’s new manager of activities, Lina Johansson started her work in late April of 2026. Lina is looking forward to an eventful year and encourages everyone to come in to Platform, say hi – or have a coffee with them!
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