INTERexchange > Helsinki

Following on from Terhi Heino, Olli Keränen and Tanja Koistila’s visit to Spike Island and Station in Bristol in March, four artists from Bristol have been based at HIAP – Helsinki International Artist-in-residence Programme in Cable Factory for a one month residency, which concludes now with an exhibition at three venues in Helsinki: Galleria Huuto – Uudenmaankatu, Galleria Huuto – Viiskulma and the HIAP Project Room.

Relationships between the artists have already been established through the residency in Bristol, where assistance and support was provided by the host artists – this has been mirrored here by the Helsinki artists. Organised by artists’ Toby Huddlestone and Karen Di Franco, this is an independently run project in association with the institutions involved.

Each artist has approached the project from a different angle, continuing their own practice in new and inventive ways whilst realising the complexities of working collaboratively with each other and the organisations when coming to exhibit.

KAREN DI FRANCO is an artist; she has exhibited internationally and is also co-director of Plan 9. Her practice incorporates writing, photography, film and installation.

TOBY HUDDLESTONE is a visual artist showing work locally, nationally, and internationally. He is also involved in curatorial projects. He is co-director of Plan 9 and has worked collaboratively on the production of a range of contemporary art projects in Bristol from 2004 to the present day.

JOHN LAWRENCE is an artist. He has also curated group shows, video events and has written for a number of small independent publications. He has shown both in Bristol and London. He is a member of Plan 9 projects.

LISA SCANTLEBURY has exhibited locally, nationally and has recently participated in the Gyumri Biennial, Armenia. She is a member of the video and photography network, Format, based in Bristol.

This project has been funded and supported by Arts Council England, FRAME, Spike Island, STATION and HIAP.