Artist residence

The living accommodation is a self-contained fully equipped apartment: living room and bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. There is linen, internet, TV, video, washing machine and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave, fridge, coffee maker and an electric kettle. There is a double bed in the bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room which also sleeps 2.

Floor plan 

There is also an old fashioned coffee shop downstairs in the same building. Visiting artists are expected to organize an exhibition of their work in the café.

Rent
You are required to pay a monthly rent of 150 € for your stay at the residence. That includes all the bills.Visitors may stay up to 2 months maximum.

Any travelling and living expenses must be covered by the artist him/herself. Those needing financial assistance are asked to turn to the authorities in their own country for help. Unfortunately Koli Cultural Society is unable to help.

Applications
Kolin Ryynänen accepts artists from all over the world, there are no restrictions.

To apply you need to send us a letter with a plan as to how you intend to spend your time in Kolin Ryynänen: what will you be working on etc. You are also requested to include your CV in the application. Pictures of your work would also be greatly appreciated.

Could you also please state any dates you find preferable and the desired length of your stay. Visitors may stay up to 2 months maximum.

At the moment we are fully booked. The deadline for year 2011 is 31.3.2010. That is the main applications deadline.

We also have a deadline 30.9. when we will deal with applications for cancellations etc.

Art courses and art workshops
It is possible to arrange art courses and workshops for professionals and for amateurs at Kolin Ryynänen. The facilities can also be used by art institutions and art schools. Koli village welcomes all forms of activities which involve visiting artists and the local community.

Applications from artists who have plans involving local community will be given preference.

All visiting artists are also welcome to give a talk about their work at the local art college in Joensuu.

Café and other activities
Visiting artists are requested to make an exhibition of their work at the café. This can be either work made in Koli or work which you can bring with you.
The café has old fashioned wallpapers with floral pattern so please bear that in mind.

There is also a two-storied outbuilding in the yard. It is in use only in the summertime. It can accommodate single travellers who are just passing through, as well as big groups. There is room for 24 people in the outbuilding.

Next to it there is also a local history museum (only open in the summer) and sauna. Across the road you will find the tourist info and the local shop. There are internet connections at the shop.

Connections
Koli is about 70 kilometres from Joensuu which is the main town in the region of North Karelia, Eastern Finland.

There is a regular train service from Helsinki to Joensuu seven times a day. The journey takes about 5 and half hours and it covers 550 kms. Timetables can be found at www.vr.fi/eng/.

Coaches also run to Joensuu from Helsinki, for more information check www.matkahuolto.fi/en/.

You can also fly to Joensuu from Helsinki. For more information please check www.finnair.com.

There is a regular shared taxi service to and from Koli village a few times a day but you must book it one day before travelling. It is called kimppakyyti and it acts as the local transport. It costs about 20 € one way from Joensuu.

In the summer, there are also boats travelling to the Koli region from Joensuu and other towns and villages situated by the lake Pielinen (Lieksa, Nurmes and Vuonislahti)

Koli's nature and cultural history
Kolin Ryynänen is situated in the village of Koli next to a national park. The village has about 300 inhabitants. For those seeking peace and quiet Koli is ideal. Also Koli is a good place for nature lovers as Koli village is surrounded by lakes and forest in the national park.

The nature in Koli is outstandingly beautiful with lake Pielinen and forest covered hills. Koli's hills are remnants of the ancient mountain range Karelidit. The highest point of the range of hills is Ukko-Koli, rising about 347 meters above sea level.

Koli is famous for the great inspiration it provided for the many famous Finnish writers, painters and composers during the National Romantic Period of the 19th century. Hence it is called the Finnish national landscape.

All enquiries and applications should be addressed to:

The Arts Council of North Carelia supports the Kolin Ryynänen residence for artists.