Applications for basic education in the arts open at The Adult Education Centre on 1 May 2026

The application period for children’s and young people’s basic education in the arts at The Adult Education Centre of the Tampere Region runs from 1 to 31 May 2026. Children aged 7–14 can apply for basic education in visual arts at the Sara Hildén Academy of Visual Arts, part of the Adult Education Centre. Children and young people aged 9–17 may apply for theatre arts groups that meet at Sampola, while literary arts groups meeting at the Main Library Metso are open to applicants aged 8–15.

Heidi Saramäki, assistant principal responsible for basic education in the arts at the Adult Education Centre of the Tampere Region, encourages parents and guardians to explore the application options together with their child.

– Basic education in the arts offers the joy of creative activity together with others. It broadens ways of experiencing the world and supports a child’s self-expression through art. For some students, it also forms a pathway towards professional artistic fields, Saramäki says.

Guardians will be informed of study places during June. If necessary, the Adult Education Centre will organise a supplementary application round for available places in early August.

Adults can apply for basic education in crafts at the Adult Education Centre. The application period runs from 1 May to 12 August 2026, and the studies are mainly organised in Ylöjärvi. Students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

– Adult basic education in the arts allows participants to deepen their own interests and explore new forms of artistic expression. The studies suit individuals who are curious about new experiences and willing to engage actively in creative work. Over the course of the studies, individuals come together as a group, sharing both the highs and lows of learning, Saramäki explains.

There will be no application process for adult basic education in visual arts in 2026.

Children, young people and adults may apply for basic education in the arts regardless of their municipality of residence.

Groups meet approximately once a week, engaging in creative studies in various environments and using diverse methods. The programme includes, for example, performances and exhibitions.

The studies are based on the Act on Basic Education in the Arts (633/1998), and students receive a certificate in accordance with the curricula approved by the Finnish National Agency for Education.