A residency for individual artists and groups
Located in Northern Ostrobothnia, Leskelä (Siikalatva), Finland, 100 km south of Oulu, Kairanmaa Residency offers working spaces, instruments and recording equipments for sound artists, musicians, producers, and groups of up to six people. The application process is simple and does not require a CV or extensive attachments. Artists at any stage of their career, from students to experienced professionals, are welcome to apply.
Residency periods are one week or two weeks in length. Travel days are included in the residency period, meaning a one-week residency provides at least six full working days. Apply now via email: kairanmaaresidenssi@gmail.com
Available residency periods at the moment are:
November 2025
21.11. – 28.11.
December 2025
1.12. – 8.12.
January – February 2026
Fully booked
The main working and living spaces are located in the attic of Kairanmaatalo, a 130-year-old log house. These spaces are not wheelchair accessible.
The house is generally quiet – especially during the summer, though there may be occasional small events in the lower part of the house, such as community meetings or gatherings.
A wide range of equipment
Kairanmaa Residency offers a range of equipment for music and sound production, including drums, keyboards, guitars, amplifiers, percussion, and studio-grade monitors (Genelec).
A Mac mini (M1) and Logic Pro are available for production work. Guests can bring their own instruments and equipment, but should note the limited storage space.
The residency is a non-profit project, with all income directed towards maintaining and developing the residency.
Support has been received from Kone Foundation and SKR North Ostrobothnia Fund.
The village association and local municipality are also partners in the project.
Location
Leskelä can be reached by car, by bus to Piippola or Pulkkila from where a ride will be provided to the residency, or hitchhiking. The nearest shops are 8 km away in Piippola and 10 km in Pulkkila.
Guests are provided with contact information for grocery runs or emergencies, and there is an option to rent a car for the duration of the residency.
Bicycles are available for use on-site.
Accommodations and Facilities
The apartment is equipped with a small kitchen, dining area, lounge, and bathroom. There are also sleeping arrangements in both the living and working areas. The working space is equipped with various instruments, and guests can use the ground-floor facilities when available.
Although there is no sauna in the house, the local residents can be helpful with this matter. Please feel free to ask for details.
Application Process
Anyone over 18, either as an individual or a group (up to 6 people), can apply. Applications should briefly explain why Kairanmaatalo is the right fit, and what the applicant hopes to achieve during their stay (e.g., creating new work, finishing projects, practicing, recording, or being inspired by the new environment).
CVs are not required. The fee structure includes a reservation fee, which is deducted from the total residency cost.
Acceptance & Payment Terms
Selected applicants will be notified by email and must confirm their residency within 7 days. By confirming, the applicant agrees to pay a reservation fee within 14 days. Failure to pay the reservation fee will void the residency offer. The reservation fee is included in the total residency cost. Residency payments are not covered by the 14-day right of withdrawal.
The full residency fee must be paid no later than 60 days before the residency begins. Any exceptions to payment schedules or other conditions will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellation Policy
A serious illness, death of a close relative, or another force majeure event entitles the applicant to a 100% refund. When possible, Kairanmaa Residency will offer an alternative residency period if other obstacles arise.
Cancellations made 30–60 days before the agreed residency start date entitle the resident to a 50% refund of the total price. No refund is given for cancellations made less than 30 days before the residency.
Any other compensations—such as if work at the residency is interrupted due to equipment failure or other unexpected issues—will be agreed upon on a case-by-case basis.
Residency Fees (June 2025 - January 2026)
- 1 week: €300 (1 person), €400 (2-6 people)
- 2 weeks: €500 (1 person), €600 (2-6 people)
- Reservation fees are €150 for one week, €250 for two weeks
