Crafted Connections – Liens tissés

Following a successful first exhibition during Helsinki Design Week 2025, the French Institute of Finland and its partners are taking things a step further with an artist residency titled Crafted Connections (Les Liens Tissés). Centered on the themes of encounters, connections, and coming together, the project aims to further promote Franco-Finnish collaboration in the field of fine crafts. 

The idea is to strengthen collaboration between French and Finnish artists in a concrete way through a five-week residency running from August to September. In partnership with the French Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier National, three French designers and artisans have been chosen from across France based on their exceptional craftsmanship.

The residency will bring together Cécile Gray, Karelle Couturier, and Pierre-Henri Beyssac, who will each work in pairs with three Finnish counterparts — Hanna-Kaisa Korolainen, Paul Flanders, and Merileena Reunanen — in their respective studios in Helsinki. 

Hanna-Kaisa and Cécile will form the first duo, specialising in textiles; Paul and Pierre-Henri, both working in wood and marquetry, will form the second duo; and finally, Karelle and Merileena will make up the third duo, exploring the intersection of ceramics and basketry. 

Through exchanges, complementary creative processes, and visits to Helsinki and its surroundings, the residency will foster lasting connections between the two countries and cultures. To conclude these encounters, the collaborative works—blending basketry, ceramics, wood sculpture, and textiles—will be exhibited during Helsinki Design Week and at the French Institute of Finland. 

Stay tuned to discover the programme and exhibition dates for this first edition in Finland!