18.7.-15.8.2008 Bureau Gallery, Manchester
9.-19.8.2008 Kaapelitehdas, Helsinki

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    Image:Ima Pico

    Swap/Vaihto is an exchange programme between UK and Finland-based artists to explore ideas around collaboration and working methodologies, alongside current issues of cultural identity and migratory art practice. The project provides a unique opportunity for artists to spend time in residence in each country and engage in a period of research and production, culminating in exhibition at Bureau and event in The Cable Factory, Helsinki. The project is based on the idea of Ima Picó, who is a Spanish artist living in Manchester.

    This year's participants are: Egle Oddo, Marko Timlin, Barbro Björkfelt, Hannu Häkkinen, Jonne Pitkänen, Jaana Kokko, Hannu Karjalainen, Virva Sointu, Mikko Oravainen, Juhana Moisander, Andrew Bracey, Jonathan Carson, Anne Charnock, Fiona Curran, Samantha Donnelly, Janet Griffiths, Lesley Halliwell, Tim Machin, Sophia Crilly, Mark Kennard, Rosie Miller, Ima Picó and Tom Watson.

    The UK and Finland-based artists were in residence at Bureau the 7th-19th of July, collaborating to develop new works and an exhibition, which took place from 19th July to 9th August 2008. The residencies provide artists with an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and instigates experimentation with new concepts and materials. The predominant focus of the Swap/Vaihto programme is as a means of establishing a mutual exchange of ideas.

    The artists travelled to Helsinki on 7th August for the second part of the project; to further develop their collaborative practice and explore the aspects of ´exchange´ they have engaged with. This second part of the project will include a residency, open sessions and events at The Cable Factory, Helsinki. Doors of Puristamo space will be open to audience all the time artists are working, giving the Helsinki audience a unique possibility to observe the whole working process and meet artists at their work A related publication will be launched in Autumn 2008.

    Enquiries: www.hiap.fi