2nd Generation Cultural Residency Program 2025
Immigration has had a huge impact on the formation of culture in Europe. Second-generation immigrants have been a cultural force and over-represented in local art scenes, yet universally we are talking about a group which has remained quite undetected and unacknowledged. The familial roots of many Europeans lie somewhere other than the country they grew up in.
In 2025
2nd Generation Cultural Embassy will co-operate and facilitate our applicants to other residencies in Northern Ostrobothnia via the Northern AiR network. Submit your application on the bottom of this page and we will try to find you a residency in our area.
2ndG Cultural Embassy invites second-generation artists and cultural workers to northern Finland. The chosen residency guests will be able to concentrate on their work, create new opportunities and discuss/present their work and experiences from their second-generation perspective, all according to the submitted work plan. Your proposed work plan should thematically be connected to second-generation immigration.
Applications are welcomed from cultural practitioners from any discipline; we are prepared to find suitable means of co-operation and facilities as the submitted work plans seem to warrant. Rents, possible fees and other basic proceedings will be determined according to the principles and guidelines for the host residencies.
FAQ
Who can apply, how do you define ”2nd Generation”?
Eligibility Criteria: we are open-minded and not statistically rigid when it comes to generational definitions. Officially immigrant generations are defined by the country of birth, i.e. if you were born in Norway, but emigrated with your parents at the age of one, you would statistically be considered first-generation. However, you would more likely to have lived the life of a second-generation individual. We would define second-generation as children of immigrants, i.e. you have not migrated yourself as an adult to the country where you have grown up. Furthermore, having one migrated parent might be enough for you to feel and identify yourself as a second-generation individual.
How do I get to Oulu?
Oulu is located in northern Finland, 600 kilometres north of Helsinki. Flights via Helsinki, takes approx. an hour. We endorse travelling by land, the train from Helsinki or Turku takes six hours. From Sweden/Stockholm you can catch a ferry (Viking Line, Silja Line) to Turku or Helsinki. Alternatively you can take the train through Sweden, we will be able to come pick you up in Luleå or Haparanda, two hours from Oulu, since we favour slow travel.
Where will I stay and work? What is expected of me?
You will be able to immerse yourself and supported in your proposed second-generation project. Please specify the months you are able to come. You can also specify which residency within the network you would prefer. You are expected to finance all travels and materials and the rent according to the host residencies rates. All details will be discussed with you after the application period ends, if you are granted a residency spot.
Application
Fill in the form below, in the MONTH(S) box please specify which month(s) you would be able to come to Oulu: May, August, September, October, November, December.
The SHORT SUMMARY box is for a concise description of yourself and what you suggest to be working on. You can also specify which Northern AiR residency you would like to stay in.
The obligatory attached documents (a CV and a proposed work plan) need to be in PDF.
The deadline for the applications is February 14th, 2025.
The successful candidates will be contacted by March 7th, 2025.
Contact
For any further questions about the 2nd Generation Cultural Embassy’s Residency Program, please contact:
Kai Latvalehto,
Director, 2nd Generation Cultural Embassy
Email: kai.latvalehto@gmail.com