The Artists’ Association of Finland is an advocate and expert association representing over 3000 professional artists in Finland. We promote the status and working conditions of visual artists and strengthen the role of visual arts in society.
The ultimate objective of the Artists’ Association of Finland is to enforce and promote the status of visual arts, the working conditions of visual artists and the importance of the arts in society. To this end, we work actively to influence cultural policy decision-making and promote the advocacy of visual arts, as well as offering services, help and support to professional visual artists.
We provide up-to-date information about the industry to decision-makers, the media and art audiences. We develop the practices and structures in the field of visual arts together with other art industry organisations. The Association has a representative on the decision-making bodies of over 20 foundations, associations and organisations. Our member associations consist of six nationwide artists’ associations.
Voit tutustua Suomen Taiteilijaseuran vuosikertomuksiin vuodesta 2015 lähtien alla olevista linkeistä:
Strategy of the Artists’ Association of Finland 2026–2027
The strategy of the Artists’ Association of Finland 2026–2027 highlights the central role of advocacy in the Association’s work. Other key areas of focus include communication, stakeholder engagement and expert services in the field of visual art.
Art and the work of artists help build a better society for everyone. For this reason, we want artists to have sufficient income and the opportunity to practise their profession throughout Finland. High quality art builds the foundation of democracy and wellbeing. It creates social, economic and cultural value and supports a good life.
The strategy responds to a situation where the operating conditions of the Artists’ Association of Finland have suddenly and significantly weakened due to cuts in public funding, while we are at the same time preparing a possible major organisational reform. During the strategy period we will form a well grounded view on whether to proceed with unification or not.
The board of the Artists’ Association of Finland consists of representatives of the member associations. All board members are professional artists.
The chair of the board is Teemu Mäki, artist and Doctor of Fine Arts.
Members of the board 2026:
Siiri Haarla / Finnish Painters' Union
Minka Heino / Artists' Association Muu
Iina Heiskanen / The Association of Finnish Print Makers
Katri Krohn Lassila / The Association of Photographic Artists
Ville Mäkikoskela / The Association of Finnish Sculptors
Jenni Turunen / Union of Finnish Art Associations
Representatives
The representatives of the Artists’ Association of Finland meet once a year. The member associations are represented at meetings by artist members who are chosen annually. Matters discussed in the meetings include the action plan and budget drawn up, the board as well as the annual report and financial statements. The representatives also decide on membership fees, how remuneration is paid to persons in elected positions, approval of financial statements and discharge. The representatives also select the chair and members of the board.
The Artists’ Association of Finland has six member associations, which are nationwide artists’ associations.
Artists’ Association MUU
Muu ry is a national interdisciplinary art organisation that represents and promotes experimental modern arts (new media, video, light and sound arts) in Finland. MUU Ry was founded in 1987 and has approximately 650 members. MUU Ry is based in the Cable Factory in Helsinki, where it has facilities for events and exhibitions.
The Association of Finnish Sculptors
The Association of Finnish Sculptors is the national organisation for Finnish professional sculptors. Founded in 1910, the association promotes and exhibits Finnish sculpture and dimensional arts. The association has 450 members. As an expert in the discipline, the association offers guidance and information on questions relating to sculpture and represents the professional, economic and social interests of sculptors. The association has its own gallery, Galleria Sculptor, in Helsinki. The gallery also has a shop selling small sculptures made by members of the association.
The Union of Finnish Art Associations
Founded in 1938, The Union of Finnish Art Associations is the umbrella organisation and guardian of regional visual arts organisations. The association includes 61 visual arts organizations operating across the country, through which approximately 7,500 members benefit from our activities. The Union of Finnish Art Associations most important roles is to support the activities of its member organisations, promote fair practices and support visual arts and related activities. The association fulfills its purpose by, among other things, producing teaching materials and courses, organizing peer activities, providing guidance, and offering various services to its members.
The Association of Finnish Printmakers
Founded in 1931, The Association of Finnish Printmakers is a national association with a mission to promote awareness of print making and drawing as an art form. The association is actively involved in communications and exhibitions. The association’s exhibition activities, print sales and guidance services are intended for both members and non-members. The association has 370 members, and its exhibition facilities, Galleria G, and sales collection, Grafoteekki, are located in Helsinki.
Finnish Painters' Union
Founded in 1929, The Finnish Painters’ Union is the national association for painters in Finland. The association promotes visual arts and advocates for the improvement of painters’ professional and social benefits. The association has 1400 members, who are entitled to a wide range of services. The association has its office, art supply shop and the tm•galleria in Helsinki, and it holds an annual artwork sales event and other exhibitions.
The Association of Photographic Artists
Founded in 1988, the Association of Photographic Artists is a national interest group that works to promote the social status and appreciation of Finnish photographic art and artists in Finland. The association has over 450 members, including individuals and photographic art collectives. The Association of Photographic Artists has its own gallery, Photographic Gallery Hippolyte, in Helsinki. In addition to exhibitions, the association offers guidance and information services for its members and produces events, exhibitions and projects promoting photographic arts.