loosey-goosey (adjective)

/ˌluː.siˈɡuː.si/ 

: notably loose or relaxed : not tense

a loosey-goosey attitude

Platform is loosey-goosey! And so is the theme of next year’s residency! 

In 2027, Platform invites working artists to explore the limits of their expression. What happens to our art when we define and limit it to conform into the lines of society? What happens to us as artists when we try to conform our art into the very norms that it so desperately wants to break free from? Who decides and what makes a professional artist? Can art be conformed into professional and less professional artistry?

Loosey-goosey wasn’t self-proclaimed or a purchased certificate. It is a badge of honor given to us by a former artist who recognised our soft philosophy. We believe that the goal of a residency is to offer time and atmosphere for artists to reflect, grow and change. 

With this theme we want to loosen up the loop. We are searching for artists that work with the topic of professionalism; artists that question it or completely reject result-driven societal pressures and norms.

Platform is an art organization based in Vasa, a relatively peripheral Finnish town. We run an art space and a residency to offer live experiences of different perspectives in a location where this would otherwise be limited.

Duration of residency

The artist can apply for a period of 4-12 weeks. 

In the application we ask the artist to specify what months during 2027 they are available. 

Accommodation

The artist will live in Platforms residency apartment (bedroom+kitchen) on a walking distance from the studio and project space. The apartment is not shared with anyone else. 

Disciplines, work equipment and assistance

The residency is open to professional artists of any medium including, but not limited to: installation, performance, sound art, textiles, sculpture, video, community art, and painting. The artist is given a contact person who will help the artist get familiar with Vasa, assist with the project, help get in touch with people, find material for their project, find the best restaurants and saunas etc.  If any additional assistance is needed it has to be agreed upon well in advance. Platform holds a set of basic tools, electronics and accessories: projectors, zoom recorder, office printer, sound system, sewing machine etc.

Studio / Workspace

The studio is dedicated to the artist and can be used any time during the day. The studio has a first floor workspace as well as an office loft with bathroom.  It is located in the city centre, directly connected to Platforms project space, storage and a semi-equipped kitchen. 

Fees and support

This is a fully funded residency.  Platform covers travel expenses (one return trip, cheapest possible). The artist will receive a working grant of 42€/day. In addition the artist will have a small material budget of 1000€ which the artist may reimburse by presenting original receipts of purchases, specifically connected to the project produced during the residency.

Expectations towards the artist

We require the artist to give a public talk, performance,  workshop or presentation about their work or an introduction to themselves at the beginning of the residency. We require the artist to be able to communicate in English, Swedish or Finnish. We require the artist to spend at least 80% of the residency’s duration in Vaasa and the working grant is proportional to days spent in Vaasa. The artists are required to submit documentation of the produced project to Platform, as well as a short report/ text about their experience in the residency that can be published on the website. 

Platform does not run a gallery, so we cannot offer exhibition times at the end of the residency. However, we will help the artist arrange a final presentation/studio visit/performance or other if the artist wants to present their work at the end of the residency.

Application information

Please follow the instructions closely. Applications not following the requirements will not be considered. We require all artists to submit their application via our application form. Any application arriving via any other channel or after the deadline will not be considered. The application shall contain the following appendix which can be uploaded into the form;

Please include the following in the PDF (one pdf in total!):

1.An informal project plan and motivation letter, max 1 page. The aim of the letter should be describing the kind of project you imagine doing in Vaasa, your motivation to apply for this residency, your expectations and how your project or previous projects relate to this year’s theme. The project plan should also include your preferred period of time and how many months you want to stay during 2027. Also state if the time period is relevant for the project as well as clearly state what time/ times that aren’t suitable.

We are looking for artists that can stay up to 12 weeks, but 4-8 week requests will also be considered. Duos are also welcome to apply.

2.Descriptions and images of 5 previous projects or artworks. For videos, please add direct links to websites in the PDF.

3.A CV of max two pages, including: name, date of birth and current location.

The application shall occupy no more than 10 pages and 5 MB. 

All artists will receive a notification by the end of September 2027. 

The board of Platform will make the selection. The board is under no obligation to justify the selection. If you have questions about the residency please ask them well before the deadline.

CHECKLIST:

-In ONE pdf include:Letter of motivation + informal project plan, portfolio, CV

-Name the pdf “FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME”

-The application shall occupy no more than 10 pages and 5mb 

– Fill out the form linked below and attach the requested appendix (all applications shall be sent in via the form)

-Deadline JUNE 30TH 2026

IMPORTANT DATES:

OPEN-CALL OPENS: JUNE 8th 2026

OPEN-CALL CLOSES: JUNE 30th 2026 23:59 (EEST)

FINAL DECISION: 30th of SEPTEMBER 2026