About Björkö Konstnod
The association’s mission is to provide workspace and residency opportunities for artists at the former Björkö-Arholma School on Björkö, in Norrtälje Municipality. BKN operates as a non-profit, artist-run organisation. Since its founding in 2020, more than 250 artists have participated in residencies at BKN in the northern Stockholm Archipelago. BKN enjoys strong support from the local community.
BKN supports artists of different ages, backgrounds, and disciplines in exploring and developing their creative practices and producing new work. The programme is designed to strengthen each artist’s voice and provides an environment that actively encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and the development of new ideas. By offering the essential resources of time, space, and community, BKN fosters meaningful creative, intellectual, and professional growth.
Our motto is: “Thinking Together, Learning Together.”
BKN has developed and hosted targeted residency programmes with support from the Swedish Arts Grants Committee (Konstnärsnämnden), Region Stockholm, SWAN, and the Nordic Analog Network.
Location
The small island of Björkö is situated in the northern part of the Stockholm Archipelago, within Norrtälje Municipality, Sweden. The surrounding area offers numerous nature trails, nature reserves, national parks, lakes, and access to the Åland Sea.
Together, Björkö and Arholma are home to fewer than 400 permanent residents. July is the peak season, with a lively programme of art and craft events, exhibitions, and local flea markets.
BKN is easily accessible via Stockholm’s public transport network. During the summer months, it is also possible to travel by boat from Stockholm and continue by bus on the island.
Address
BJÖRKÖ KONSTNOD
Simpnäsvägen 739
SE-764 53 Björkö
SWEDEN
The island features ancient forests, freshwater lakes, secluded beaches, and a historic granite quarry that was in operation between 1907 and 1923/24.
