The future of Vapaan taiteen tila has been under discussion for several years, and TaiYo has sought to influence the university in favor of preserving the space. However, we are now in a situation where it is possible that the activities of Vapaan taiteen tila will end or be put on hold at the end of the year. How did we end up here, what is happening now, and is there still something that can be done?
Vapaan taiteen tila, managed by the University of the Arts Helsinki Student Union (TaiYo) and available for use by students of Uniarts, has been part of the student union’s activities throughout its entire existence –that is, for 13 years. Uniarts has served as the sole funder of the space for this entire period. However, due in part to cuts affecting higher education, the university’s financial situation has weakened, and the student union and the university have repeatedly negotiated the continuation of the space’s funding. The current two-year agreement on the funding of the space was made at the end of 2024 and runs until the end of 2026. When the agreement was made, the university stated that it would not be possible in the future to support the space on its own with funding at the current level. Vapaan taiteen tila’s annual budget is approximately EUR 90,000, the majority of which is spent on rent.
Since the end of 2024, the Student Union has explored various options for financing the space in the future, with the aim of keeping it available for use by Uniarts students. The development work has involved the student union’s boards and staff, as well as the Vapaan taiteen tila working group during spring 2025. So far, however, these efforts and negotiations have not led to the desired outcome. This means that at present it is possible that the activities of Vapaan taiteen tila will cease or, at the very least, be put on hold by the end of 2026. Due to the potential need to vacate the premises, Vapaan taiteen tila’s booking calendar has been closed to new reservations for November–December.
The Student union has not given up, and together with the university we are still exploring alternative options, including the possibility of new premises where the activities of Vapaan taiteen tila could continue, potentially in an even improved form. Even if Vapaan taiteen tila’s activities were to be paused at the end of the year, we are working to ensure that the activities can continue in the future. We will provide further updates on the future of the space as the situation develops.
The situation understandably raises concerns and questions; we have also been asked whether students can do something to influence the situation. We encourage students to make use of performances Vapaan taiteen tila offers, to promote their own performances or exhibitions held there, and to share the significance and positive message of the space both within their own networks and publicly. During April–May, TaiYo will also conduct a member survey, and we hope that responding to it will help as well; the survey will also provide an opportunity to share thoughts related to the development of Vapaan taiteen tila.
Previous writings on the situation of Vapaan taiteen tila:
The latest statement regarding the funding of the Free Art Space
A text by Elli Kujansuu, member of TaiYo’s 2024 board, on the importance of the Free Art Space for students
More information:
Jane Kärnä
pääsihteeri
taiyo-paasihteeri@uniarts.fi
0407104296
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