Villa Karo is the Finnish Institute for West-Africa, which is located in the village of Grand-Popo, Benin, West Africa. The institute's goal is to enhance the African knowledge of Finnish cultural figures, promote collaboration between Finnish and African artists and researchers as well as to support Finland and Benin’s cultural exchange.

Villa Karo provides professionals across different fields of art, science and social sectors an opportunity for a residency in Benin while functioning as a cultural center in Grand-Popo. 

Villa Karo consists of five buildings: main building, two museums, research centre and a multipurpose space.

Villa Karo’s executive director is Julia Ojanen and the cultural center’s director in Benin is Richard Tandjoma. Villa Karo is governed by Villa Karon ystävät ry, whose chairperson is Alexis Yamajako.

Video: Tuomas Uusheimo (2014/2017)
Music: Pentti Luomakangas & Gustave Dylamour