Mothers and Women in Art Residencies at Granny’s Cottage by Ruutin Kartano

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Welcome to our artist residency programs for women and mothers in art, set in the peaceful rural landscapes of Ostrobothnia, Finland.
Granny’s Cottage offers a serene and supportive environment where artists can nurture their creativity, focus on their practice, and find inspiration surrounded by nature.

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These residencies are designed for women artists at different stages of life and artistic practice — whether you are a mother wishing to bring your family along, or a woman artist seeking focus time, creative exchange, or to share the experience with a trusted friend or small group.

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​​Two Residency Paths

1. Mothers in Art Residency

Created for artist mothers who wish to continue their creative journey while remaining close to their families.
You are welcome to bring your partner or any other support person and children to share this enriching experience together. The environment is family-friendly, with space for both quiet reflection and joyful connection (up to 6 people).

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2. Women in Art Residency

Open to all women artists, writers, musicians, and creative practitioners who wish to focus deeply on their work in a peaceful, inspiring setting.
You may join alone, with a supportive companion, or as a small artist collective (up to 4 people). The aim is to foster creativity, reflection, and gentle connection, having plenty of meaningful shared time.

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Ruutin Kartano​​ 

Ruutin Kartano’s Women & Mothers in Art Residencies are part of a family-run farm stay in the charming rural area of Laihia, Finland. Our residencies offer space to grow, reflect, and innovate in a nurturing atmosphere that respects both artistic focus and family life.

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The Location at Granny's Cottage:

Surrounded by fields and far forests, our residency invites you to connect with nature and find inspiration in the tranquil setting and child friendly environment. Enjoy the warmth of a traditional wood-heated sauna, an experience deeply rooted in Finnish family culture, or cooking local food together in the 'Kota' grill house, both located in the surrounding garden of the cottage.

 

Accommodation

Granny’s Cottage provides a cozy, fully equipped home:

• Two bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and bathroom on the lower floor.

• A spacious upper-floor studio for painting, writing, composing, or other artistic practices.

• Next to the workspace, a comfortable corner for children or relaxation, and an additional two-bed bedroom.
   

The house accommodates up to six people, making it suitable for a family, two friends, or a small creative group.
 

More info about the cottage:
www.ruutinkartano.com/grannyscottage

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You are welcome to bring your partner and children, support person or small friends group allowing you to share this enriching experience together.

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More info about the cottage:

www.ruutinkartano.com/grannyscottage​​

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Workspace

• Spacious Layout: The upper room allows for freedom of movement and the ability to spread out your materials.

• Movable Tables: The workspace includes movable tables that can be rearranged to suit your specific project requirements. 

• Desk Area: A sturdy desk is provided for focused work, whether you’re jotting down ideas, sketching, or typing away.

• Natural Light: A west-facing window provides natural light. The view of the sunset can be beautiful.

• Loom for Textile Arts: For those interested in weaving, an antique traditional loom is available, allowing you to explore the art of textile creation. (Let us know in advance.)

• Durable Flooring: The hard-use flooring is designed to withstand the demands of various artistic activities, ensuring that you can work confidently without concern for wear and tear.​

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Guidelines and Duration

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The residency is self-funded and self-directed, lasting 4 weeks.​

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Artists can apply for either the Mothers in Art (up to 6 people, including children) or Women in Art program (up to 4 people, only adults), depending on their situation and focus.

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Fees include the full house with three private bedrooms, use of the upper floor studio, a shower room with toilet, kitchen, dining room/living room and garden sauna and grill house.

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Fees

Residency fee: €1400 / 4 weeks
Includes:

• Full use of Granny’s Cottage (three private bedrooms)

• Upper-floor studio access

• Kitchen, living/dining room, shower, garden sauna, and Kota grill house
   

This fee applies exclusively to selected residency participants, not for regular bookings or rolling applications outside of the offered residency sessions!

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The cottage can be used as artist getaway all year round. Please visit the booking calendar to see other available dates for Granny's Cottage outside the residency time.

www.ruutinkartano.com/grannyscottage.​​​​​

 

Environmental policies

This open call is for all professional creative practitioners working in non-toxic media. We ask you to use energy sparingly in the interests of the environment and use wood fired stoves for primary heating.

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Transportation

Granny’s Cottage is located:

• 10 minutes by car from Laihia Village

• 20 minutes by car from Vaasa City, Finland
   

Public transportation is limited. Bicycles are available from Ruutin Kartano for use on local gravel roads as soon as there is no snow. We can´t provide any other vehicle.
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OPEN CALL

Residency Sessions

All sessions are currently fully booked for 2026.

Open Call for Spring Session 1 , Mid March – Mid April 2027 will open in May 2026

All sessions are listed below for reference.

Sessions

• Spring Session 1 — Mid March – Mid April

• Spring Session 2 — Mid April – Mid May

• Autumn Session — September
   

Open Applications

While all sessions are full, we are happy to offer open applications for artists who wish to rent the residency at the regular self-funded price of €2800.

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Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and available spots are offered as soon as they open.

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This option is primarily for women artists, including mothers and caregivers. Solo female artists and small creative groups are welcome and will be prioritized. Male artists are also invited to apply and welcome to bring family members or travel companions, though female artists and mothers will be given priority.

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Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

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How to Apply

 

Each applicant should submit:

• Preferred time frame

• CV (including exhibitions, projects, residencies, publications)

• Work portfolio or Instagram account

• Motivational letter (max. 1000 words)
   

Submit as a single PDF (max. 15 MB). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selected artists will be notified by email, and updates may also be shared via Instagram.

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Artists in Residence – Ongoing & Upcoming

• Spring Session 1, March–April — Duo Big Share, Montreal, Canada

• Spring Session 2, April–May — Shana Kor, Arizona, USA

• Autumn Session, September — (name to be announced), Australia
   

♡ To Every Artist – Mother, Woman, Maker, Dreamer​

We understand how complex the balance of art, work, and life can be.
We warmly recommend exploring www.artistresidencyinmotherhood.com — a self-directed, open-source program that helps artists in motherhood structure creative time effectively.

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With these residencies, we aim to provide a supportive and non-judgmental space — a place where women artists can create without pressure, surrounded by nature and care.

Whether you come as a mother, a woman artist, or a small creative group, this is your time to breathe, focus, and make art.

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Janine Gerber Moser & Family
Ruutin Kartano, Laihia, Finland

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We are pleased to share this guide to support artists applying for grants and seeking funding to attend the Ruutin Kartano residency. It also highlights the qualities and information we value most in a residency application.

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