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Smolny College, CEC ArtsLink, Bard and KUVA (The Finnish Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki) take pleasure in announcing the pilot session of Forumak Leto, a new, summer program for practicing artists. We are now accepting applications from practicing artists to participate in this two week program of workshops, seminars, and critiques....

This summer, we will be running an international educational laboratory including topic based seminars with critics and curators, workshops with practicing artists, visiting artist lectures, excursions and studio visits.
Forumak Leto will spend this summer in intensive study in St Petersburg, and also in planning for future sessions, which are slated to take place partly in Helsinki at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts. Students interested in applying to the pilot program of Forumak Leto should understand that we will not be offering a studio-based experience. We are looking for young artists who already have a self-sustained artistic practice, in any medium, and are looking for a forum for intellectual contextualization of their work, rather than to expand their skill base. We will spend our time discussing your existing practice, and working on small scale, spontaneous projects, the realization of which will be your responsibility. Proficiency in English is required.
Application materials should be uploaded into the Open Studio website by following instructions to sign up for studio space on the website. Applications should include a CV and one to two page artists' statement in English, as well as no fewer than ten images and/or videos, texts, sound works. Contact information for references, people who can recommend you as responsible participants and creative thinkers, should be added to your CV. Studios that contain application materials can remain private/unpublished on the website at the applicant's discretion. Participants will be admitted based on their portfolio and essay, we are not a degree program, therefore no formal qualifications are necessary to apply. As part of your artists' statement we would appreciate it if you would also answer this question:
“What are the educational needs of practicing artists in St Petersburg today?”
Applicants should write to Emily Newman to notify us that your application is uploaded and to Yana Klichuk with any problems using the website. Applications are due no later than June, 1. Selected students will then be asked to come to Smolny for an interview, which will be held in English, or to make an appointment for a phone interview.
Forumak Leto is a full time three week intensive program based at the Bobrinsky Palace of Smolny College, St Petersburg. Students should be ready to put aside other activities, including jobs and other projects, during this intensive working period. Housing and meals will not be provided. The pilot program will be free.

Please feel free to contact Emily Newman (ylime.newman@gmail.com) or Yana Klichuk (klichuk@gmail.com) with questions.
More information about the program is available on the Open Studio website at www.vcopenstudio.org