Art Pro highlights new possibilities for the arts in an uncertain economic climate

22.9.2025 0 Tykkää 0 kommenttia Laura Lehtinen

Uniarts Helsinki has launched a resource bank called Art Pro Finland, which supports the sustainability of working life in an increasingly worse financial situation.

Uniarts Helsinki has launched a resource bank called Art Pro Finland, which supports the sustainability of working life in an increasingly worse financial situation.

There has been a growing sense of concern in Finland’s arts sector due to cuts in cultural funding. These cuts are considered so extensive that they are radically affecting art-making and the accessibility of art. As the fragile structures of the arts sector are being undermined, it is becoming increasingly difficult for artists to find employment. At the same time, the arts sector – like all areas of working life – must respond to societal changes and global phenomena that are reshaping the operating environment, whether it is happening gradually or dramatically. The open-access Art Pro Finland resource bank, produced and maintained by Uniarts Helsinki, aims to support artists who are navigating these challenges by offering knowledge and guidance for a sustainable working life in the arts. A diverse group of professionals at Uniarts Helsinki, various arts organisations and the independent sector have all shared their expertise and perspectives, resulting in the set of materials on the website.

“It’s important that people in the arts community share knowledge and pull together, instead of retreating into silos, engaging in unhealthy competition or pursuing solely their personal interests,” notes Laura Lehtinen, editor-in-chief of the resource bank.

Art Pro Finland is unique in scale. The site is divided into six main categories, covering topics such as income, communications, career paths and working life, the role of art in society, writing and research as well as a glossary of arts sector terminology to be published later in 2025. Together, these categories include over 100 articles available in Finnish, Swedish and English. The articles offer perspectives on topics such as finding your own path as an artist, branding, starting a podcast and understanding and writing different types of texts. In addition to timeless topics such as working life skills, the articles also explore the future of work and offer tips on using AI and maintaining wellbeing. The site has already received an enthusiastic response from arts organisations, freelance artists and students alike.

Musician Maija Kauhanen, named the Sibelius Academy’s Alum of the Year 2024, finds Art Pro a great initiative: “As an artist and freelancer, your work involves much more than just creating art. For example, as a musician, you often act as your own booking agent, tour manager and publicist, and you’re responsible for contract negotiations, securing funding and various reporting tasks. It’s really wonderful that this kind of resource bank has finally been compiled and made accessible to everyone. It’s a huge help for those working in the field!”

The resource bank helps arts and culture professionals to identify, articulate and develop their skills. The site is tailored for students, teachers and various aspiring and current professionals in the arts and cultural sector, including organisations.

The Art Pro Finland project was launched with Talent Boost funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture, which will end in August 2025. However, the development of the site will continue, as Uniarts Helsinki is committed to its ongoing maintenance. This ensures that up-to-date information will continue to be available to a wide readership in the future, keeping the site relevant in the rapidly evolving reality of the arts sector. Uniarts Helsinki invites users to suggest content and updates to be added on the site, including information, reports and articles that have been published elsewhere.

Further information, suggestions and feedback:
Laura Lehtinen, editor-in-chief
laura.Lehtinen@uniarts.fi, Tel.: +358 50 4141 536