ABOUT US
Circolo Scandinavo offers a unique and inspiring environment for Nordic artists who need a place to focus on their work and find inspiration. It is possible to apply for one month up to six months, and the application period opens in February each year. Each year over 300 artists from all the Nordic countries apply for residency at Circolo Scandinavo. There are four studio apartments in the residency.
Circolo Scandinavo has two major tasks; to run a modern residency program and to increase the visibility of Nordic culture and Nordic artists to an Italian audience. We aim to create a space where artists from different countries, professions, and backgrounds can meet and exchange ideas. Circolo Scandinavo organizes monthly events and artist talks in order to promote the Nordic artists in Rome.
The Director has the overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the residence, and is assisted by an intern from Finland.
The internship is supported by the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland. The Board members also participate actively in the operations of the residency.
History
Rome has for centuries been a source of inspiration for Nordic artists, having many of them as long-term guests in the eternal city. In the middle of the 19th century there were no less than three Nordic libraries in Rome. The Danish, the Swedish and the Norweigan libraries united in 1860, and Circolo Scandinavo per Artisti e Scienziati was founded. Since then has Circolo Scandinavo worked as a Nordic meeting point in Rome.
Circolo Scandinavo gained economic support from the Scandinavian governments and Finnish and Icelandic artists soon received membership in the association. The club has had many distinguished visitors, for example Henrik Ibsen, Selma Lagerlöf, Sigrid Undset, Halldór Laxness and Evert Taube. August Strindberg also has left his signature in the guestbook.
Circolo Scandinavo became an artist residency in the 1960’s and has been supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers since 1975. It has operated in several addresses in Rome. Since 2022 it has been located on Aventino, one of the seven hills of Rome, in the beautiful neighbourhood San Saba.
the Archives
Our archives have partly been digitalized. For researchers and others interested, you can access our digital archives with the following link:
Circolo Scandinavo - archive (pdf)
Large parts of our archives remain analog. If you are interested in working with our analog archive material, don't hesitate to get in touch with
us!
We are more than happy to receive your requests and ideas!
Please send an email to: info@circoloscandinavo.it
Location
Since September 2022, the home of Circolo Scandinavo is located on the Aventine, across from the church of Santa Sabina and its orange gardens. Our newly renovated residence hosts private rooms with bathrooms and provides working spaces and common areas for social interaction. A big garden and terrace are available for the artists in residence and offer a beautiful space for guests and events.
The Aventine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, offers a calm and green surrounding in the middle of the city. The area is known for its charming location and atmosphere. Beneath the hill you will find the Testaccio neighbourhood with its rich cultural life and broad variety of restaurants. Circus Maximus, Forum Romanum and The Palatine are located on the other side. The location is well connected by local transport such as metro, buses and trams, and easily accessible by direct train from Fiumicino airport.
We are excited for this new chapter and hope you want to join us on the journey!