Villa Sarkia is a residency for writers and translators regardless to nationality, language or genre, located in the centre of Sysmä, Finland. The residency is primarily intended for writers born in 1983 or after. Previous published works are not required, but well-prepared working plans are held in value in selections.
The spring term residencies take place between 2nd January 2023 and 30th June 2023, autumn term residencies between 3rd August and 29th December 2023. Working periods for 1-2 months are available for solo appliers, working groups can apply for shorter terms in September and April. International residents are considered especially in August residencies: chosen writers might have a possibility to perform in Poetry Moon festival in Helsinki.
Villa Sarkia, named after poet Kaarlo Sarkia, is a wooden villa from the turn of the twentieth century. The house has three separate rooms for residents. Common spaces consist of kitchen, library and dining room, living room, sauna, bathroom and a large garden. The location and nature surrounding Villa Sarkia will guarantee a peaceful setting to work in.
The address of Villa Sarkia is Myllymäentie 1, 19700 Sysmä, Finland. There is about half a kilometre distance to the nearest coach stop and local grocery store and the library are within a walking distance. For more information about coach services to Sysmä, please visit Matkahuolto.
Staying in Villa Sarkia is free for selected residents. Nuoren Voiman Liitto operates the residency application process whereas municipality of Sysmä provides the maintenance of Villa Sarkia. The residents’ personal expenses, such as travel costs, are not covered.
You are expected to participate in one mutually agreed community service: reading, workshop, school visit or other activity during their stay. Writers will also produce a short coverage regarding the stay in residency. This text can be used in Villa Sarkia communications.
The application deadline is 31.10.2022 at 23.59. In order to apply you need to fill in the application form, which you can find here. Add the following attachments in your applications. The attachments must be delivered in pdf format.
- work plan
- text sample in Finnish or English
- CV
- possible recommendations
The application form must be filled in half an hour. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the needed sections before filling in the application. Please prepare your attachments. The application can be modified or supplemented within the application period.
The board of Nuoren Voiman Liitto will make the selections for the residency in November. Results will be announced personally for the selected by 21st November 2022. Unfortunately, the selections cannot be commented. Possible cancelled residency periods can be reapplied for later; these will be announced at the NVL website and in our newsletters. More information on the residency: saara.tamminen@nvl.fi
Did you get selected? You will receive an e-mail with more detailed information on e.g. key handover process and paperwork. Please, confirm your place to the executive director of Nuoren Voiman Liitto within two weeks after receiving the offer letter. You will receive full information package from how to arrive to Sysmä to the details of your residency period soon after.