Priss Niinikoski selected for the 2026-2027 Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten residency
Priss Niinikoski, a 28-year-old Finnish-French artist and graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of the Arts Helsinki, has been selected for the renowned Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten residency in Amsterdam for a two-year period starting in January 2026.
Each year, the Rijksakademie admits around 24 artists for the residency programme, half from the Netherlands and half from other countries. In 2025, over 1,500 applicants from 124 countries applied. The residency artists are selected based on their distinctive talent and potential.
Niinikoski graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in spring 2025. Her practice spans technology, sound and textiles.
The residency is made possible through a collaboration between the Academy of Fine Arts and Saastamoinen Foundation which supports the selected graduate with a total grant of €100,000. Additionally, the Foundation covers the travel expenses for the artist. The grant is awarded to a graduate of the Academy if they are accepted into the programme via Rijksakademie’s open call.
The Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten is one of the most respected artist-in-residence programmes in the world. Founded in 1870, it is known for its commitment to innovation, critical engagement, and interdisciplinary exploration. The programme provides residents with private studios, access to advanced technical workshops, a library, and expert guidance from a diverse network of artists and professionals. It encourages experimentation and dialogue across diverse artistic practices.
Works by former residents have been featured in leading international art events including the Venice Biennale, documenta and the Gwangju Biennale, and are held in the collections of institutions such as the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, MoMA, Tate Modern, and Centre Pompidou. Distinguished graduates include Jennifer Tee, Otobong Nkanga, Monira Al Qadiri, Kendell Geers, Remy Jungerman, and Rineke Dijkstra.
Academy of Fine Arts graduate Artor Jesus Inkerö was selected for a residency at the Rijksakademie for 2019–2020 with support from Saastamoinen Foundation. Other Finnish alumni of the Rijksakademie, also graduates of the Academy of Fine Arts, include Pilvi Takala (resident in 2009–2010) and Erkka Nissinen (resident in 2007–2008).
Saastamoinen Foundation residency grants to the alumni of Uniarts Helsinki’s Academy of Fine Arts are part of the joint International networks in fine arts project.
Read more about the recidency programme from Rijksakademie’s website.