The AARK Grant has been awarded annually since the residency began in 2015. It includes a one-month residency space for one or two Fine Arts graduates from Turku University of Applied Sciences, Arts Academy. The grant is given based on merit, recognizing excellent final works showcased in the graduating exhibition in Turku.
The 2025 grant, which includes a one-month residency in autumn 2025, was awarded to:
In its inaugural year, 2015, the AARK grant was awarded to Lilli Haapala and Anni Saijonkivi
In 2024, the AARK grant was awarded to Ville Laitinen, who painted at the residency in August and will return to continue his work in July 2025.
Renja Leino has been part of the Arts Academy since 1998, first serving as head of photography for five years and later as a senior lecturer for fine art students. Over the years, she oversaw countless student exhibitions and participated in the teaching team as a mentor for graduating students. Although Leino is now retired from teaching, she wishes to continue the tradition of offering AARK grants to recent graduates.
AARK grant is supported by Sparbanksstiftelsen for Korpo, thank you!
