The ART Residency

The residency is predominantly self directed with in the focus of the open call. We honor a helpful and socially inclusive policy. Our house policy is ”Thinking together, learning together”. BKN aims at being able in the future to provide a directed residency. AiR BKN directed calls have included ”Out of Rock” and in 2022 ”Nature Nurture”
Artists participate in maintaining a well functioning workpace.
Often artists meet up for meals prepaired jointly or separately. As artists arrive or leave there can also be occations due to transit where you are alone for a day or two.
In total there are in total 7 studios (12-76 sqm) 3-4 of them are residency studios, the in addition to a crafts studio/wood workshop, basic pod/vlog/video/photography also used as co-workingspace/conference room. Artists use the same kitchen and showers and is assigned a semi private toilet.
Accomodation the artist rent cabin on the island or basic in studio arrangement.

Accommodation

Artists either rent a cottage on the island or use a simple on‑site living arrangement in the studio, depending on needs and availability.

Cost of studio

For 2020-2022 we provide a studio grant. Each artists pays a development fee of 500 sek and a membeship feer of the not for profit the 100 sek/calendar year. The studio grant is made possible with support from Leader Stockholmsbygd and The European fund for countryside development in close collaboration with the municipality of Norrtälje. The aim is to be able to continue this praxis post 2022.
BKN is happy to provide document for grant application or travel support, please consider to do so in a timely manner. In some cases we can offer a stipend in addition to studio grant, the call will clearly state if this is the case.

Possibilities

Member/studio grant: BKN provides a number of studio grants per year. BKN covers cost for studio, accommodation, and shared spaces. Artists are then in a semi directed program and are expected to participate in call specific activities. Artists up on acceptance needs to be a member and pay a development fee: ( 100 sek + pay 700 as a development fee, total 800 @ 80 eur, regardless duration. Valid to spring 2025 for national and international artist. )
In some cases we do full studio grant with a stipend.
Invitation: We are happy to provide letter of intent/invitation so the artist can apply for additional funding.
Duration: Artists usually stay at BKN 1-2 months in some cases it’s possible with shorter stays.
If you want to apply coming in on your own funding first write to curator@bknart.se
Cost for subsidized studio Visiting artists between 1000 sek and 3000 sek per week + BKN fee of 800.
Presence: Artists expect to have colleagues during their stay there for we you need to be present 85% of your stay.
July 7 to August 18 is self directed and there is no studio grant, the artist fee varies by studio accorded to the subsidized fees above. For this alternative you don not have to follow the 85% attendance.
Concept of Fair Studios: Regardless weather its a directed or self directed residency BKN practice FAIR STUDIO experience with support from fellow artists and at times dedicated time with the curator. The rural location and embeddedness in nature calls for vigilance towards the environment we kindly ask artists share knowledges, skills and approaches towards each others practices.
Duo: Studio 2 and 3 can host two artists they then both pay the BKN fee + one time the specific cost for studio.
Larger groups can be in studio 28, 3, 22 (up to 4 people). If larger groups please email and we find a solution.
Curatorial meetings/studio visits and darkroom use in addition to costs above. But might be included in programs, see specific call.
BKN is a safe space working towards a sustainable practice. We keep the premises as friendly as possible for people with allergies there for no pets allowed.
For other accessibility please write to info@bknart.se

Getting here:

You reach BKN by public transportation (buss) from Stockholm via Norrtälje. The two former schoolbuildings are right at the bus stop so it’s really easy. Be vigilent there are many Björkö (Birch Island) in Sweden we are the one in the municipallity of Norrtälje. The space is endorsed by the locals and run by the non profit organization Björkö Konstnod. BKN is in two buildings and total area of 590 sqm.

Public Transportation:

Metro redline/Bus 676, Bus 636 – the trip fro central station Stockholm takes about 2 1/2 hours.

Bus stop: Björkö-Arholma Skola (Björkö-Arholma School) is the name of the bus stop. It is right on the doorstep of BKN. (sl.se, Stockholm-Norrtälje bus 676, Norrtälje-Björkö 636)

BKN is embedded in a rural costal area during the winter months this means no light pollution and almost a silent zone. 300 people live through out Björkö. In the extended month of July (midsummer to mid August its about 5000)