Located in the peaceful Papinniemi area of Heinävesi, on the shores of clean Lake Juojärvi, the Valamo residency offers artists a bridge between everyday life and inspiration. The monastery's natural silence and simplicity provide a counterbalance to a society driven by the ethos of performance and consumption. Our residency gives you space to think and time to create something new. Or to finish something unfinished.
Valamo has been a base for artists for decades. We welcome all creative people, regardless of their art form or outlook on life. Our versatile facilities are suitable for writers, visual artists and those working in music.
Some of the forests surrounding the monastery are untouched natural forests. There are several marked hiking trails of various lengths in the surrounding area. A visit to the monastery's forest cemetery is an impressive experience. Bicycles, kick sleds and snowshoes can be borrowed from the monastery.
Valamo Monastery Outdoor Trails
Residence Application Spring 2026 (1.1-31.5.2026)
Apply for the Valamo Sillankorva residency for the spring season 2026. A free-form application, briefly outlining the artist's previous activities and current work plan, must be submitted to myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi by 30.11.2025. Decisions on spring residency positions will be made by December 15, 2025.
Application for residency autumn 2026 (1.9-31.12.2026)
Apply for the Valamo Sillankorva residency for autumn 2026. A free-form application, briefly outlining the artist's previous activities and current work plan, should be submitted to myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi by August 15, 2026. Decisions on autumn residency positions will be made by September 1, 2026.
Indicate in the application which period you are primarily applying for. The minimum period is 1 week, the maximum is 1 month. If you wish, you can attach recommendations to your application, but only your CV is required.
Additional information and applications:
Valamo Monastery / Sales Service
Tel. 017 570 1810 (Mon-Fri 9:00-15:30)
myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi
WORKSPACES
Studio - A peaceful and naturally light-filled studio is suitable for a visual artist or musician, and also for a small workgroup.
1-2 weeks 100€ / month 150€
Soppi - A cozy and practical Soppi offers a bright studio with a stunning view of the church for one artist.
1-2 weeks 75€ / month 125€
Both workspaces will be completed in summer 2024 and are located in their own privacy in the Valamo university building.
Workspaces must be reserved in advance.
The Valamo Library offers researchers quiet desk spaces that can be reserved in advance from the library or on site.
ACCOMMODATION
Sillankorva - A unique art house is located next to the bridge leading to the monastery on the shore of Lake Juojärvi. In 2009, the interior of the house was designed by artist Kim-Peter Waltzer with funding from a private donor. The floors are made of black Ilomantsi stone, the walls are made of green Kittilä marble and art. The ceilings are ash. The house has three rooms and they have a bathroom, a single bed, a desk and a bedside table. The shared kitchen has a dining table, refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, coffee and kettle, toaster and recycling containers. Pets are not allowed in Sillankorva House.
1 week 210€ / 2 weeks 320€ / month (28 days) 500€
Opistohotelli - Accommodation in Opistohotelli in a single room with shower and toilet. You can also inquire about the possibility of a double room and a pet room. There are shared kitchens on both floors of Opistohotelli. Valamo's wireless wi-fi network is available. There is a wheelchair ramp at the entrance to Opistohotelli.
1 week 175€ / 2 weeks 275€ / month (28 days) 425€
Accommodation prices do not include breakfast or other meals. The price includes sauna access twice a week (men and women) and the opportunity to participate in Valamo College courses at a special price.
Prices include VAT.
