Over the past year, the Student Union of the University of the Arts Helsinki (TaiYo) has been in discussions with the university’s leadership about the future of the Vapaan Taiteen Tila. To date, the university has been the sole funder of the art space, which has been managed by the student union since its establishment in 2013.
As a result of these discussions, the university’s board, based on the rector’s proposal, has decided that the university will continue funding the space until the end of 2026. The shared goal during this funding period is for the student union to develop a new funding model for Vapaan Taiteen Tila, in which the university’s role will be smaller than it has been up to now.
To advance this goal, TaiYo will complete the organizational restructuring of Vapaan Taiteen Tila, a process initiated this past fall. As part of the changes, a separate association independent of the student union will be established to manage the space. This association will be able to apply for funding from sources such as the City of Helsinki and foundations.
The rules and operational principles of this new association will be developed during the spring semester of 2025 in collaboration with individuals who responded to the open call Vapaan Taiteen Tila working group in late November and early December.
During this period, Vapaan Taiteen Tila will be increasingly integrated into the university’s core activities, for example, as a venue for the artistic components of theses and as a space for courses. TaiYo’s board will also revise the rules for using the space, including policies related to expense reimbursements.
The Student Union of the University of the Arts Helsinki thanks all the students and staff members who participated in the discussions about the future of Vapaan Taiteen Tila. Their efforts have resulted in a two-year extension during which students at the university will continue to have access to a free, reservable event space.
Students interested in the future of the Free Art Space are encouraged to participate in the development of the new management model by providing feedback and ideas to the Vapaan Taiteen Tila coordinator or TaiYo’s secretary general, getting involved in TaiYo’s board activities, or considering applying for a position on the board of the future Vapaan Taiteen Tila Association.
More info:
Elli Kujansuu statement for keeping Vapaan Taiteen Tila as a part of Uniarts Helsinki: https://taiyo.fi/en/2024/09/03/kannanotto-vapaan-taiteen-tila-on-merkittava-mahdollisuus-taideyliopiston-opiskelijoille-ja-siita-ehdottomasti-tulisi-pitaa-kiinni/
Vapaan Taiteen Tila web site: https://vapaantaiteentila.fi/
Vapaan Taiteen Tila Instagram: @vapaantaiteentila
Uniarts Student Union web page: https://taiyo.fi/
Karoliina Korvuo (coordinator of Vapaan Taiteen Tila): vapaantaiteentila@gmail.com / 040 710 4227 (Mon-Wed 9-16)
Jane Kärnä (TaiYo secretary general): taiyo-paasihteeri@uniarts.fi / 040 710 4296 (Mon-Fri 9-16)
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