The World Heritage Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland International Scholarship and Residency is now open for applications. Established in 2018 by Region Gävleborg, Sweden, this prestigious international scholarship supports professional artists, cultural practitioners, and researchers who wish to develop an artistic or research-based project that meaningfully connects the Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with one or more other properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The scholarship encourages projects that reflect the core values of UNESCO, including cultural heritage preservation, conservation, outstanding universal value, and intercultural and knowledge exchange.
Purpose and Focus of the Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded to the applicant who demonstrates the clearest, most relevant, and most feasible proposal showing how the Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland relate to other World Heritage Sites globally. Proposals may explore connections through artistic practice, research, storytelling, conservation methods, cultural dialogue, or comparative heritage perspectives.
Strong applications will clearly articulate how the project aligns with UNESCO principles and contributes to a deeper understanding of world heritage in an international context. The programme is highly competitive, having received nearly 1,000 applications from over 100 countries in the previous year.
Scholarship Benefits and Residency
The World Heritage Scholarship provides both financial support and an immersive residency experience in Sweden. The scholarship package includes the following benefits:
- A four-week residency at one of the World Heritage farmhouses, either Kristofers in Järvsö or Erik-Anders in Söderala, Sweden
- A scholarship grant equivalent to 50,000 SEK
- Travel costs to and from Sweden
The residency offers scholars a unique opportunity to work directly within a living World Heritage environment, fostering engagement with local heritage, communities, and landscapes while developing their project.
Eligibility and International Scope
The scholarship is international and open to applicants from all countries. Eligible applicants include professional artists, cultural practitioners, and researchers working in relevant fields who are able to demonstrate professional experience and a strong project concept. There are no nationality restrictions, and applicants from diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are reviewed by an expert jury and evaluated against clearly defined criteria. The jury will assess:
- Artistic or scholarly quality of the proposed project
- Relevance to the Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Feasibility of the project within the residency period
- Clarity and strength of the UNESCO connection, including alignment with UNESCO values and objectives
Applicants should ensure that their proposal is well-structured, realistic, and clearly articulated.
Important Information for Applicants
Applicants are encouraged to carefully note the following key points before submitting an application:
- The residency period will take place in summer 2027
- The selected scholarship holder will be announced in November 2026 via Hälsingegårdar (halsingegardar.se)
- The application form includes a function that prevents AI-generated applications
- Only complete applications submitted within the application period will be considered
Application Process and Timeline
Applications are accepted during the official application window only. The application period runs from 15 January 2026 to 28 February 2026. Applicants must submit their proposals through the official online application platform. Detailed guidelines, eligibility information, and the application form are available via the Residence/Scholarship section of the programme website. Early submission is recommended to avoid technical issues close to the deadline.
About the Scholarship Programme
The World Heritage Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland International Scholarship and Residency was established in 2018 by Region Gävleborg as part of its commitment to promoting international cultural exchange and strengthening the global understanding of World Heritage.
Through this programme, the Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland serve as a platform for dialogue, creativity, and research that connects local heritage with global perspectives.
