Story Villa
Heinävaara

The artist residency Story Villa opened its doors in the small Finnish village of Heinävaara in 2023

The premises of Story Villa tell the story of an old village school. Built by the village road in 1908, this two-story log building holds significant cultural and historical value as a protected heritage site. The former, spacious classrooms have been transformed into two bright working spaces. Within this charmingly beautiful house, there are three accommodation rooms, as well as spacious communal areas such as the kitchen and living spaces.

“If you want to experience the Finnish countryside, this is the place to go. Story Villa has offered the time, space and community needed to deepen my work and share it with new audiences.”
Miriam Markl, coreographer, dancer, Berlin, Germany

The residency is ideal for visual artists, but it also welcomes other creative professionals from various fields. The spacious school classrooms can be adapted as workspaces for musicians, theater artists, and dancers. The serene environment also provides a perfect setting for writers, researchers, producers, or artisans.

”Kuljin hankiaisilla ja näin esimerkiksi ilveksen jälkiä. Illan pimetessä ei ollut valosaastetta vaan tähtitaivas sai lumota. Story Villa tarjosi poikkeuksellisen levollisen paikan keskittyä työhön.”
Pauliina Kainulainen, kirjailija, Suomi

Story Villa is open for creative work throughout the year, providing a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The house is equipped with geothermal heating, and we value recycling and principles of sustainable development, which guide us in our daily practices.

“Staying at the residency has been an extraordinary experience. The comfortable surroundings provided the perfect environment for me to work, and I obtained the much needed quiet.” 
Aydan Alyieva, visual artist, Baku, Azerbaizan

Together with Artists at Risk -organization Story Villa has already for several years provided Ukranian artists a safe place to stay and work in the middle of the peaceful nature.

“I am overwhelmed by the feeling of how much this place has given us. Here we could rest, paint, be under the peaceful sky and exhale before moving on.”
Daniela Diadusha, visual artist, Ukraine

“During the residency I was able to feel inner balance, thanks to the opportunity to be free in nature and — sleep well at night.”
Eva Holts, photographer, Ukraine