About Björkö Konstnod
We are looking for artists at every stage of their artistic life for various programs
As long as you are passionate about the art, willing to be vulnerable and listen as they learn.
Most our artist in residence comes from visual or performance art this does not exclude other forms. We can also host duos or groups.
Up to 9 artists at the same time. If larger group we can assist with finding accommodation in the area.
The main objective of BKN is to provide an opportunity to, within the stay, focus on, the aristic practice and experience life in the Northern Archipelago of Stockholm – where the sea meets the forest, fields, and lakes – a peaceful rural milieu. Proposed project should relate to site-sensitve exploration, argue why the residency site is of interest or entail working with strands of various communities. Established in 2020, AiR BKN supports artists of diverse ages, backgrounds, and disciplines in the exploration and expansion of their creative practices and the production of new bodies of work. The program aims to foster the development of each artist’s voice, providing an environment that actively supports experimenting, taking risks, and pursuing new ideas. Providing the critical components of time, space, and community, the Program encourages significant creative, intellectual, and professional growth. Or house motto is ”thinking together learning together”.
During 2020-2022 we have offered more than 100 studio grants in addition we are constantly working towards finding complementary grants. We have had collaborations on directed residences with suport from Swedish Arts Grant Committee, Region Stockholm and SWAN. Some artists have come on grants that they arranged themselves. Since 2022 we are also part of Nordic Analog Network.
MISSION
Our mission is to provide affordable project studios and at the same time create a vivid community on the island and amongst our visitors and artists. We are even exlploring the format of Fair Studios (at all times thing what could be made better for our artists).
The not for profit Björkö Konstnod/BKN was established as a not-for- profit in 2020.
To explore rural costal region in Sweden as site for contemporary art and photography.
Education & exhibitions for professionals and local community.
RESOURCES
- Wood/crafts workshop (limited tools)
- Darkrooms/Lightroom/Presentation space >>>
- 1 Loom @ 90 cm wide
- Wifi (fiber based broadband)
- Shared kitchen (2 stoves with ovens, 2 refrigerators/freezers, toaster, food processor, drinking glasses, mugs, pots and pans, plates, coffee maker, utensils, blender etc)
- Self maintained bikes
- BKN works closely with the local community (people and gathering spaces)
Location
The small island, Björkö, is situated in the north part of Stockholm archipelago, in the municipallity of Norrtälje, Sweden. In the area there are several natural nature trails, national parks, lakes and the Åland Sea
Björkö together with Arholma has less than 400 people living year around. July is the peak summer holliday season with lots of art and craft events as well as fleamarkets.
You reach BKN by the larger Stockholm public transportation system. In the summer its also possible to get here by boat from Stockholm and then a buss on the island.
Address:
BJÖRKÖ KONSTNOD,
Simpnäsvägen 739,
SE-764 53 Björkö
SWEDEN
The island has primeval forests with freshwater lakes, secluded beaches and a quarry for granit (was in use 1907-1923/24)
