Story Villa
Heinävaara

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

During its first summer, the residency offered a peaceful period of rest and work for Ukrainian artists. In collaboration with the Artists at Risk organization, six artists worked at the residency for a period of four months.

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.

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.

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.

The hosts of the residency live in the neighboring house, offering assistance if needed and occasional shared rides to the city.