OPEN FLOW 2024



In 2024, TUO TUO hosts residencies with an emphasis on attunement. Rather than focusing on private studio assignments, we will invite artists to attune to the space and one another. This adjustment flows from a continual need for flexibility, a desire to move away from rigid models that mirror transactional conditions, and our deep appreciation for community.

TUO TUO can comfortably accommodate three artists at a time – each artist receives a private bedroom; there are three toilets and two showers shared between residents. There are two large work spaces downstairs (114m2 total studio space) which can be shared between residents – the studios are versatile, furniture is easily rearranged to accommodate a variety of needs and circumstances. The residency atmosphere, like the house itself, is spacious yet intimate.

Residencies are entirely self-directed, but your hosts Joni and Kaitlyn provide a light, practical structure as well as peer support.

Thematic programming is also offered throughout the residency season by Kaitlyn, Joni and visiting artists from the TUO TUO ecology of alumni, neighbours, collaborators and friends. Programming is always optional, but activities might include workshops, walking lectures, performances, readings, spontaneous rituals, bird watching, etc. – all inspired by the season and the current group of artists-in-residence.



FLOWER  ✢  BIRD  ✢  INSECT  ✢  SOUND  ✢  DREAM  ✢  REALITY


Our thematic approach is intended to inspire subtle symbioses between residents in a way that’s playful and fluid. A jumping off point or an initial spark, all of our ‘themes’ correlate to various dimensions of being at TUO TUO – recurring characters, seasonal aspects and affectations, conversational trademarks, etc.

If one of the themes above resonates with you or relates to your practice or project, then definitely let us know! If you want to bring your own theme into the mix, that’s also welcome. This is an experiment, we’ll find out together how it will manifest.
 

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> Facilities & Accessibility
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Who should apply?

Artists, researchers and activists who work with ecological ideas, themes and methods are welcome to apply. There is no set expectation in terms of output. We support rest, thinking, experimentation and process-based explorations. 

Previous residency experience is not essential. However, experience with inclusive, queer, feminist-run spaces is important. 

Our artist-led residency is run in a spirit of openness and reciprocity. It’s important to be able to spend time alone well, and also to enjoy spending time with others.


> Deadline: October 30, 2023


2024 residency periods: 
February - March - May - June - July

Length of stay:
between 1 week & 2 months


How to apply:

or
  • send a freeform email to tuotuoarts@gmail.com

include the following in your email: 
- a brief note on why TUO TUO for your residency
- names of artist(s) / pronouns
- where and how you will travel to TUO TUO from
- length of stay (between 1 week & 2 months)
- desired residency time (please specify a season or month)
- brief description of intentions for your residency
- accessibility-related needs or other considerations 
- links to examples of previous work, social media handles, cv or whatever else you’d like to share with us 
- if your participation is pending funding/grant applications please let us know

Feel free to write in English or Finnish. The language you use does not need to be proofed, overly polished or formal.

> Fees

180/month  (80/wk)
- unstable work, have debt, stressed about meeting basic needs, cannot afford unplanned expenses or vacations

380/mo  (120/wk)
- able to meet basic needs, irregular income, have access to healthcare, some expandable income/ some savings, have access to solidarity networks/ community/ family, sometimes can afford vacation

720/mo  (200/wk)
- comfortably able to meet needs, have a stable home, reliable income, currently on a grant, have access to financial savings or generational wealth, able to take vacations

Fees are per person.

Solidarity
This is intended as a sliding-scale/ solidarity system based on your relative financial standing within the global economic context: higher fees help to compensate for the lower tiers. If you have a stable source of income/ access to wealth, please consider giving more so that we can continue offering invitations to those who don't.

We trust your discernment of your current financial situation – consider both current and anticipated. How easily could you earn more income compared to other people in your community, country, and the world; are you expecting an inheritance; are there people counting on your financial livelihood including dependents; what are the socio-economic conditions of your locale (relative to other places in your country and in the world); etc.

We also welcome custom rates that fall in between what's outlined above. If your situation changes, let’s talk and readjust.

We are a small artist-run non-profit. TUO TUO does not have operational funding. A significant portion of the operational costs are covered independently by our hosts. We are not a hotel or airbnb; it is not our aim to fill the space to capacity in order to generate income – the quality of the experience we’re able to provide to our artists depends on this approach. The quality of the experience is our priority.

*inspired by the sliding-scales of em~body & corporeal writing 



TUO TUO is an artist-led project space and residency located in a former schoolhouse in Joutsa’s Pynnölä village (est. Jan. 2020). An alternative to established urban institutions, TUO TUO negotiates the point of convergence across sound, visual art, performance and the environmental arts and sciences. TUO TUO is an ever-evolving collaborative organism – a unique ecosystem within the field of the ecological arts.

Our mission is to function as fertile ground for ideas and to nurture close cooperation between artists, thinkers, researchers and other cultural actors through transdisciplinary programs and residencies. In seeking the balance between pancultural pluralism and local consciousness, we are committed to integrating with the social and cultural life of Joutsa and the rest of Finland, while maintaining an international focus.

Thank you Kone Founation (Koneen Säätiö) for supporting the work of our programme facilitators this residency season.