WAP PROGRAM

WALKING WITH PROXIMITY
DUE DATE FOR APPLICATION APRIL 20
We start reviewing applications April 16th.

Walking As Practice (WAP) 2025 takes place where the forest meets the sea in the Northern Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden. It is a program for self-identifying walking artists. It is a collaboration between WAP and BKN taking the shape of an artist residency. FAQ at bottom of page.

WALKING AS PRACTICE TURNS THREE
^{> WAP25: Walking With Passion
> WAP24: Spaces of Anticipation
> WAP23: Attentive Walking}

The program follows the structure of previous WAP. There is time for individual work as well as share sessions based in the concept of Thinking Together Learning Together.

Curators: Berg Duo (Anna Viola Hallberg & Ami Skånberg)


PROGRAM:

WAP – Exploring and sharing strategies for proximity through artistic expressions in the field of walking practices, creating a transformative, dynamic space for art that engages with life and nature. This involves critical and poetic explorations influenced by the immediate surroundings.

We participate in each other’s walkshops or interventions, and we also host Share Sessions to familiarize ourselves with each other’s practices. Additionally, we introduce the Research Catalogue for final dissemination, where each artist create their individual exposition.

WAP initiators are curating the program.

June 15-June 30 (2 weeks) or June 30 – July 7 (1 week). You can also apply for both sessions and stay for 3 weeks.

• You arrive on June 15 or June 30th
• June 16 or 17th (weather decides date) we will co-walk with a group of artists and forest experts. This event is together with a Michigan Tech program.
• In the evening we have the welcoming dinner and introduction.
• Weather decides the specific programing.
• Midsummer Walk
• Midnight Sun Walks
• 1/2 possibly full day trail walk with walking as artform/practice.
• Walk in the white night, explore Suriashi, animal trails etc
• Some of the walks ar community walks.
• You can also invite your fellow artists for walking experiments
• Last week is parallel to another international walking arts project. WAP might do walks, presentation with in this format
  
  WAP Artists :
  – Make an exposition on Research Catalogue
  – Contribute to the art trail with an artwork or scores towards the art walk/trail “Sister Forest” in our yard or elsewhere on Björkö
  – Lead walk for the other artists
  – Share your practice in our share session format
  
  BKN/WAP provides:
  – Coffee & tea is available
  – Welcome soup
  – Grant studios with accommodation if you are selected
  – Curatorial lead program
  – Possibility to join program even if you are not selected. Then you arrange your own accommodation and can join public walks. If this is your option you need to email us on info @ bjorkokonstnod.se

PLEASE NOTE:

• June in the ara is a bit brittle, but the sun is very strong. So make sure to dress in layers. For Back Country hiking ring boots rather than hiking shoes. Please bring small backpack, water bottle, rain gear and sun protection as well as tick and mosquito spray/ointment.
• Midsummer celebrations happen on June 21, big public celebration close to BKN
• 2025 BKN turns five during WAP25!
• Grocery Store: 7 km and 15 km
• Restaurant: Thai/inernational
• Mini bakery: 200 meters
• Cash is hard to use in Sweden, debit card is your best option bus, store, restaurants.
• BKN is a non smoking environment. If you do smoke you need to do so at designated location.
• Dinners we cook together, or parallell some are joint others you decide what fits you.
• You are responsible for for your own art material as well as food and beverages.
• Duration: 1-2 (3) weeks

Participation fee:
Studio/accommodation grants are available for 6 studios. Additional housing in the area is also an option or you can pitch your tent. If you are not on the grant your fee is 1 200 sek. If you are on a grant you pay 1000 sek (regardless duration, as part of a development fee to BKN).

Below, you can see three video examples from WAP23/24.

_{Artist/Lead Walker: John Schuerman  (us)
Title: Moving Together in a Circle (WAP24-June Edition) 
On Pilgrim Trail, Part of 1/2 day program “Walk With Us”}

FAQ:
When do I get respons on my application and when do I pay the fee?
The selection process starts April 15 we will continue to fine tune to April 20. By April 25 we will list the names of the artists accepted to the program. Listing will be on this page.

There is no application fee. You have to be ready for a video conversation with us as part of the selection process. We need your confirmation within five days after we have sent you the invitation to join us. When your fee reaches us, you are confirmed. More detail is provided in the invitation letter.

What resources are available?

Marked trails, unmarked trails but indicated on maps, gravel roads, paved roads, back country/animal trails, lakes, ocean (beach, rocks etc) , self maintained bikes, photographic darkroom, scanner, wood, bbq areas, out door small basketball court, boule, mini 4-k camera (ddi) workshop, loom, network with former WAP artist. Field recording kit (video+audio).


Additional/collaborate partners:
Community Seafarer Museum, Cultural Heritage Association (restaurant style kitchen, video conferencing), Swedish Lutheran Church, Nudist Campground, Community Center (stage/cinema), Pre-school.

What language is used?
Our day to day language is English.

Can I travel during my stay?
You commit to participate in daily joint activities. If you want to explore other parts of Sweden, that’s great but this is something you have to plan before or after your stay with WAP/BKN.

Where can I find more info about the area?
Please also visit BKN page for additional information about your stay. There you also find a list of things that are good to bring.

How does the grant work?
Grants are provided to those willing to donate one of the following: a score, a physical or digital work for the local qr-code based art walk.

This is WAPs way of saying thank you to BKN and the local community for allowing us to have a residency program on the site. BKN has a partial annual grant from Stockholm Region.

I want to seek additional funding, do you write letter of invitation?
We are happy to write an invitation as you are accepted, if you want to apply for your own grant to cover travel costs, food etc.

Can I bring my partner, child or pet?
If you want to travel with partner (non walker) or family you can not be considered for the studio/accommodation grant. At BKN you can not bring your pet, due to allergies.

What about dates?
Two weeks in June. If interest is big we might open up for 1 week in July. So this is why it could be a 3 week stay. July can also be for artist who would like to stay just for 1 week. So yes July is also open.

Studios and Accommodation how does this work?
BKN has live in Studio they vary in size we try to a sign studio according to your project/media.

Resources:
Wifi in all the premises (two buildings) total 600 sqm. One communal computer with basic printers, scanner, laminator. Additional mini 4k camera, two 85 w soft boxes. BKN are currently in the process of getting some more audio equipment. We love to have your input.

Due date application April 20
We assess studios starting April 12 early application could increase you getting selected.

Looking forward to explore walking as art form with you!

_{Lead Artist/Walker: Ami Skånberg  (se)
Title: Experimental Pilgrim Suriashi (WAP24). 
Part of 1/2 day program “Walk With Us”}

_{Artist/Walker: Antonia Aitken  (au)
Title: Drawing Breath (WAP23)} 

^{As you have been part of WAP programs you can be considered for WAPC / collective.}

_{Berg Duo on Björkö walk, WAP 2024
Photo:Sybrig Dokter 2024}