Vice chair of the TaiYo Board Omotola Adeshina wrote of the first 6 months of the 2025 Board’s work.
The Taiyo Board 2025 kicked things off on January 9th with an orientation in Kunkkula. In a warm, welcoming safe space, the ice was broken, ideas started buzzing, and the momentum behind Taiyo’s action plan was officially ignited. And just like that, the movement began, each Taiyo Board member stepping into their role, focusing on their respective areas in line with Taiyo’s vision and mission.
Since that day, the Taiyo Board hasn’t missed a beat. Meticulous with the metronome, the board has championed student well-being and welfare with unwavering commitment, engaging in every initiative, inside and outside the student union, that pushes the mission forward. Everyone on board brings passion, precision, and purpose for the benefit of the overall students.
Every member of the board has taken charge of key focus areas ranging from the international student sector, educational policy, arts and cultural policy, equity and equality, social politics, events and tutoring. These diverse priorities do not stand alone; they are interwoven through a spirit of collaboration, grounded in teamwork within the union and thanks to the General Secretary Jane and other amazing employees, who have always provided help for every sector.
On a broader scale, Taiyo is proudly a member of SYL: Suomen Ylioppilaskuntien Liitto, the national umbrella organization representing university student unions across Finland. On February 7th, the Board, represented by Chairperson Anna, Secretary General Jane, and Vice-Chair Omotola, participated in SYL’s opening seminar for the year in Tampere. As “kokoaan suurempi” (Small but Mighty), the board proudly represented the interests of art students in Finland among many other student unions.
Time will fail to catch up with the great projects that Taiyo has embarked on since the year began, but the events will surely be mentioned and highlighted.
Ever since January, the board has been meeting every Wednesday evening across campuses to deliberate on issues, elect hallopeds (student representatives), and make proposals for decisions.
The Board successfully secured payments for Vapaan Taiteen Tila for the year but continues working on smooth operations and future funding for this space dedicated to free arts.
In matters relating to arts and culture, Vice-Chair Oula has been vocal and instrumental in joining and supporting many campaigns, including the ‘Cut the Cuts’ campaign. Anna and Jane have been active in meeting with the Minister of Culture, the university rectorate, and the collegium to advocate for students’ welfare and wellbeing, as well as the comprehensive rights of international students at the university.
The student union has maintained strong communication across all platforms—every event and update is shared in weekly newsletters and Instagram posts. The board has granted funding for student-centred activities, encouraging involvement within the university and fostering a healthy academic community.
The board acts as a mediator and bridge between the university and the students, holding frequent meetings with the rectorate and management to discuss and influence key issues. Also, the board have been active in designing and organising events for the school and tutoring for student tutors (Board member Javier has been doing great here always).
The board also serves as a link between students and the city by lobbying for collaboration and meaningful connections. Board members represent students’ interests across different sectors, engaging in meetings to learn, participate, and bring solutions for the benefit of students at the University of the Arts.
International students sector has always been a high priority as one of the universities with a large number of international students. The board has participated in ‘At What Cost’ a survey for international students and facilitated a communication campaign for sensitisation of democratic right to vote in county and municipality elections.
The Taiyo Board 2025 has thrived on teamwork internally and transparency with the university and student body. The “kokoaan suurempi” (Small but Mighty) Taiyo Board comprises:
Anna Kirvesniemi (Chairperson)
Oula Hyle (Vice-Chair)
Omotola Adeshina (Vice-Chair)
Eero Leichner
Javier Navarro Lara
Baraka Issabu
With this team on board, it’s certain that the best is yet to come!!!
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