Open Call for FCINY Residency for Architects

(Application time has ended and we are currently evaluating the applications.)

Architects Cooper Union Visiting Scholars Programme

Duration: September–October 2024 and November–December 2024 (two months each)

We are inviting Finnish or Finland-based architects to submit their application for the FCINY Architecture Residency Program in New York for September–October and November–December 2024. The residency program is organized in collaboration with The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at The Cooper Union in New York.

The focus of the residency program lies in dialogue and cultural exchange in addition to individual research and creative work. Each residency includes housing, access to the local hosting organization, flights, and a monthly working grant of 700 EUR. The program is particularly suitable for professionals who are seeking to expand their international network in the US, and who wish to take advantage of the relation-building support the residency program provides. Each applicant should prepare to showcase their work/research to New York’s creative community, and actively participate in the activities provided by the residency program.

The FCINY welcomes architects with diverse backgrounds and practices to apply. The programs are open for individuals and working groups of two people (the residency apartment is a one-room studio space, and it houses two people willing to share the open studio space comfortably). The selection is based on the motivation letter including a plan on how the applicant is intending to use the residency period in New York, and an interview with the jury.

The residency program is open for all Finnish or Finland-based practitioners. Affiliations to member associations are not mandatory for the programs. We favor applications with a socially responsible stand, and encourage underrepresented groups to apply.

APPLICATION PERIOD:

The application period is December 4, 2023 to January 8, 2024.

The deadline for applications is January 8, 2024, at 23:59 Finnish time (4:59 pm New York time).

APPLICATIONS ↓

All applications should be sent via the following online application form: LINK. The application form and all supporting material, including CVs, must be submitted in English. Late applications will not be accepted. The applicant must present a project plan for the residency. A resume and a maximum of 3 selected works should be attached to the application. Applicants should submit along with the application a short motivation letter and a description of the specific aims they have set for their residency in New York. All attachments should be merged into one document and submitted as PDF.

SELECTION PROCEDURE ↓

Each residency program has its own jury. A pre-selection of eligible applications will be made by the jury, and the partnering organization will make the final decision on the selected applicants based on an online interview. The results of the selection process are communicated to all applicants in due time.

ARCHITECTURE RESIDENCY JURY
Hayley Eber, AIA, Acting Dean, The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of The Cooper Union
Kati Laakso, Executive Director, FCINY
Nina Väistö, Architect, FCINY Board Member

SELECTION CRITERIA ↓

The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York welcomes architects with a wide range of backgrounds and diverse practices. The selection is based on the project plan, the motivation letter, and an interview with the jury. Projects that align with the values of The FCINY are encouraged (RESPONSIBILITY: ethical and sustainable wellbeing of the planet and our societies / EQUITY: intersectional, inclusive, anti-racist principles / OPENNESS: curiosity, focus on timely phenomena). We strive for interdisciplinarity, embracing collaborations and encounters between diverse fields, cultures, and points of view. The applicant should either be Finnish or based in Finland at the time of applying for the residency.

Other criteria that will be taken into account when assessing any proposal:

1 . Applicants should be reasonably fluent in English (spoken and written)

2 . Applicants should have at least 2–3 years of proven professional practice or have completed

a university-level degree in a relevant field of study

3 . The willingness to present one’s practice to other professionals and audiences in New York

and to participate in small-scale public events is considered essential

PARTNERING INSTITUTION ↓

The FCINY´s and The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture´s Visiting Scholars Programme is an opportunity for experienced scholars to visit the The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture for a period of one month. Visiting Scholars are expected to interact and form networks with The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture staff and students, to plan or conduct research, publications and/or development projects, and to participate actively in the academic life of the School of Architecture. The chosen scholars will have access to the School of Architecture premises, networks, and library (with workstations).

🏡 HOUSING ↓

The FCINY residency apartment is located in Hamilton Heights’ Sugar Hill in North Harlem. The neighborhood is safe with good subway connections to Manhattan and Brooklyn. The apartment comes with bed linens and towels, basic kitchenware, wireless internet connection, and air conditioning. The studio apartment is suitable for research and computer based artistic work.

The selected artists are granted full usage of the residency apartment during their stay. The purpose of the residency cannot be altered and the residency period cannot be handed over to another person. In the case that the Institute’s lease for the residency apartments would be terminated or some other force majeure situation emerges, the Institute reserves the right to changes in the residency program. A written agreement will be made with each selected artist-in-residence, specifying the conditions of the residency.

👥 ACCOMPANYING GUESTS ↓

The residency apartment is a one-room studio space, and it houses two people willing to share the open studio space comfortably. The apartment is not suitable to house accompanying children. It is meant for the working use and accommodation of the artists-in-residence. In case of accompanying guests or visitors, the artist-in-residence must notify the Institute in writing in advance. The artist-in-residence is responsible for any guests.

💵 COMPENSATION ↓

The Finnish Cultural Institute’s own residency program is subsidized but not fully funded. The residency comes with a furnished apartment and the Institute will cover one return flight (max amount 1000 USD). In addition, the Institute provides the resident with a monthly working grant of 700 euros. The artists are in charge of any material costs and their living expenses in New York.

✈️ TRAVELS / VISA / INSURANCE ↓

The Institute covers a one-time return flight to the chosen resident artist to a maximum amount of 1000 USD. The artist is responsible for making their own travel arrangements. There is no need for a visa for visits under 90 days to the US, but a valid ESTA is required. Please be aware of any covid-19 related special arrangements. The artists-in-residence must have their own sufficient health and travel insurance coverage for the entire duration of the residency.

➕ FOR MORE INFORMATION ↓

All applications should be sent via the following online application form: LINK. 

For questions about the application process, please contact our Administrative Director in Helsinki:

Annu Webb, webb[at]fciny.org.