Meet the Academy of Fine Art’s Student Ambassadors

7.4.2025 2 Like 1 kommenttia

Student ambassadors Catrin, Snowdrop, Elle and Rong-Ci introduce themselves. Want to ask about fine arts studies? You can reach us at: kuva.student.ambassadors@uniarts.fi.

Catrin, Bachelor’s in Sculpture

Languages: Finnish, Swedish, English and I’m also currently learning the basics of Greek.

I’m originally from Helsinki. I previously studied architecture at Aalto University, and after completing my bachelor’s degree, I decided to apply to the Academy of Fine Arts. My initial plan was to combine sculpture with architecture to explore various construction techniques through visual arts. However, once I started studying, I became fully immersed in the university’s environment. The discussions and engagement with fellow students and teachers reshaped my interests. My focus expanded into multiple exciting directions.

Each student has a unique background in their artistic practice, which makes learning from others’ passions incredibly enriching. It broadens my understanding, not only of artmaking but also of different ways of seeing the world. The discussions and peer support feel like small treasures.

Over the past five years, outdoor trekking has become an essential way for me to disconnect and recharge. They offer a combination of silence, being present with a friend, and physical challenge, which makes them deeply meaningful. I also enjoy the landscaped and repurposed World War I-era trenches in Western Helsinki, near the Pitäjänmäki train station. These areas have a labyrinth-like quality and are always full of surprises. 

As a student ambassador, I want to share information about studying at Uniarts from my own experiences and provide support and guidance to those who need it. It is also important to strengthen and promote the activities and visibility of student ambassadors.

Snowdrop (they/them), Bachelor’s in Time and Space Arts

Languages: English as my native language, Finnish, and Nigerian pidgin

My name is Snowdrop Áine-Fae Belmont. I am from Nigeria. I chose Uniarts, specifically Kuva, because of the amazing opportunities offered to students. For me, being a student ambassador means helping others who are now in the position that I once was, to discover if Kuva is the place for them. I want everyone who reaches out to feel assisted and listened to.

Elle, Master’s in Printmaking

Languages: Finnish, English

I am from Australia :) I researched all European art universities and KuvA (Academy of Fine Arts) fit my criteria of having a bachelor’s program in English, not too expensive and scholarship opportunities. My favorite thing is that I am an artist and that I am doing art.
My favorite place in Helsinki is my studio, followed by my home.
I encourage all artists to follow their interests, ideas and crafts by letting them know that art is supported and valuable.

Rong-Ci (they/them), Bachelor’s in Time and Space Arts

Languages: Taiwanese, Mandarin, English, Finnish

I am from Taiwan and I first came to Finland as an exchange student. I immediately found that the place fits the themes of my work. I have grown a lot since I moved to Helsinki. In KuvA I don’t feel the need to prove my works valid before developing them further. These are pretty much the determining reasons for me to decide to stay! My favorite thing in Uniarts are my peers. I get to meet different people on the campus, and that’s more than anything for an international student I would say. Also the darkroom and photography studio. These are amazing places where I enjoy being all by myself the whole day working on my projects. I like eventful places, such as Oodi library, the velodrome, Tapiola ice skating park, where I get to be in the crowd! I also love the sauna in my building. In HOAS (student housing in the Helsinki region) there’s usually a common sauna where the residents can go by booking a shift.)

Speaking of giving, I want to do my best to provide useful info for applicants. Guiding people to know how it really is studying in Helsinki and in Uniarts. When it comes to receiving, the student ambassador position is like a connecting point where I get to meet new people, and observe how things work in the university and in the Helsinki art scene.

Photography and editing by the Student Ambassadors of the Academy of Fine Arts: Snowdrop (@Snowdrop_Belmont), Anastasiia Lapteva (@aasyalapteva), and Rong-Ci Zhang (@rrong.ci.zhang).