KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre works to improve the position of visual artists in northern Finland and to create international connections in the field of art. KulttuuriKauppila runs an international artist residency programme (KulttuuriKauppila AiR), produces the Art Ii Biennale and Valto Pernu Photo Marathon and provides studios for local artists. The centre aims to improve artists’ skills, belongs to international art networks and produces an international art-education programme for schools of Ii. KulttuuriKauppila participates in cultural policy on a practical level and believes that creativity is a key to wellbeing on both the individual and collective levels.
KulttuuriKauppila AiR provides time and space for artists to focus on their artistic research and production. The artists are offered new contacts to the local art field as well as to the local community. KulttuuriKauppila AiR is tailored for each guest artist individually. The artists are given opportunities to take part in the activities of the local art field by teaching on courses, organizing workshops and producing artworks to exhibitions. The artists are given a chance to showcase their work by organizing an open studio event and an exhibition in the end of their residency period.
www.kulttuurikauppila.fi
