Literature association Nuoren Voiman Liitto (NVL) was founded in 1921. Literary and cultural magazine Nuori Voima has been published since 1908, and is one of the oldest cultural magazines in Finland.
Our objective is to produce high quality events and platforms for writers, support amateur writers to become professionals, to form literary networks, offer meeting spaces for writers and readers alike as well as generally to promote the teaching of literature, creative writing and literary art in Finland.
Residency Villa Sarkia
VILLA SARKIA OPEN CALL IS RENEWING – Moving to a two-round application model for 2027
We are introducing a two-round application process for 2027. Applications for the first half of 2027 (January–June) will open already in summer 2026. Applications for the second half of 2027 will open at the end of 2026.
Villa Sarkia is a residency located in the center of Sysmä for writers, translators, and working groups. The application process is managed by the Nuoren Voiman Liitto (Young Power Association), while the residency itself is maintained by the Municipality of Sysmä. The residency is primarily intended for writers under the age of 40. Applicants may apply regardless of language, nationality, or genre.
Sysmä is located in the Päijät-Häme region, surrounded by lakes and forests. The residency has three rooms: two single rooms and one double room. Shared spaces include a living room, sauna, and a large yard. At any given time, 3–4 writers or translators can work at the residency. There is no permanent staff on site.
Residency Application for Early 2027
Applications for the first half of 2027 (January–June) will open in summer 2026.
Residency periods at Villa Sarkia are 1–2 months; working groups may also apply for two-week stays. Accommodation is free of charge for selected residents. However, Nuoren Voiman Liitto charges a registration fee of €100 per resident per month.
The residency is intended for writers working with literary fiction—primarily those under 40—including authors, playwrights, and translators. Selections emphasize a well-presented work plan; prior publication is not a requirement.
Villa Sarkia is a wooden villa from the turn of the 20th century, located in a მშვიდ and quiet setting in the center of Sysmä. It includes three private rooms and shared facilities: entrance hall, kitchen, bathroom, sauna, living room, hall, and a large yard. The residency provides bed linens, towels, and cleaning services. Travel and personal expenses are not covered.
Residents are expected to write one text for the residency blog and submit an informal residency report and feedback.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted electronically and include:
- Work plan
- CV
- Writing sample (in Finnish or English)
- Optional letters of recommendation
Selecting “Apply” will open the application form, which must be completed within 30 minutes. Applicants are advised to review the form details in advance and prepare attachments beforehand. Applications can be edited during the application period via a link sent by email.
Location and Travel
Address: Myllymäentie 1, 19700 Sysmä, Finland.
Villa Sarkia is about 500 meters from the Matkahuolto bus stop, and shops and a library are within walking distance.
Note: Public transport does not operate to Sysmä on Saturdays. Therefore, residency periods will begin and end on weekdays. Please check updated bus schedules at matkahuolto.fi/matkustajat.
The Municipality of Sysmä offers a separate weekend taxi service, which must be booked in advance. More information: sysma.fi/joukkoliikenne or Riikka Junttila (firstname.lastname@sysma.fi).
Villa Sarkia is over 100 years old and has its own characteristic scent—please take this into account when applying.
Selection Process
Applicants selected for January–February 2026 will be notified by email in November 2025. Other applicants will be informed by December 13. Unfortunately, individual feedback on decisions cannot be provided. Any cancelled residency spots will be announced via Nuoren Voiman Liitto’s newsletters and website.
If selected, please confirm acceptance within two weeks. Further instructions—such as key collection and contracts—will be sent by email. Residents will also receive payment instructions, an information package on arrival, and details about their stay.
Cancelled residency periods may be reopened for applications and will be announced on the NVL website and in newsletters.
About the Residency Experience
Villa Sarkia’s location and proximity to nature provide an excellent environment for focused work. Depending on timing and interest, residents can explore local attractions such as an Iron Age burial site, traditional “sahti” beer culture, and the outdoor trails of Ohrasaari. Guestbook entries often mention experiences of silence and immersion in nature.
Texts produced at Villa Sarkia can be found here:
https://villasarkia.wordpress.com/
Welcome to Villa Sarkia!