What happens when art educators from Finland and West Africa spend 40 days learning, creating, questioning and dreaming together? How can art become more generous, more communal and more connected to the world around us?
With the support of the Niilo Helander Foundation, Villa Karo is launching a residency bringing together 8 arts education professionals from Finland and West Africa in the inspirational setting of Grand-Popo, in Benin. The residency will explore community arts education through a programme combining professional peer learning, cultural exchange and hands-on experimentation with community-based artistic methods. This residency is not about teaching others – it is about learning with others.
We’re looking for curious, open-minded professionals with experience in arts education and a desire to bring what they learn back into their own communities. After the residency, each participant will carry out local arts education projects in their home country, inspired by the experience.
Under the acacia tree, in classrooms, on village paths, through workshops, conversations and shared meals, we’ll ask: How can art education become more generous, more communal and more connected to the world around us?
4 arts education professionals based in Finland and 4 in West Africa will be selected for a residency period from the 24th of February until the 4th of April 2027. The dates are fixed and the participants must commit for the entire period.
To apply, provide your CV, portfolio with examples of your previous work, and a short workplan outlining your professional goals for the residency and what you can contribute to the community of co-practice. Please explain how the residency might contribute to your work as an art educator back home, after you return from Villa Karo.
The programme includes a free residency spot including accommodation with dailybreakfast, airport transfers and practical support throughout the residency. Finland-based applicants should budget approx. 2000 € for travel costs (flights, vaccines, visa etc.).
Apply by the 20th of September 2026 through the ”Community Arts Education” section in our application portal: apply.villakaro.org
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