In community art, the most important thing is not just the finished artwork, but the process of working together, the interactions and the opportunity to share one’s own thoughts and stories.
– At its best, community art fosters a sense of belonging within the neighbourhood, making it an important part of neighbourhood development as well, explains Pia Keltti, Senior Coordinator at Public Cultural Services
Community artists facilitate cultural activities, but they also build networks. Community artists collaborate with other organisations in the districts, such as associations, schools, early childhood education and care centres and libraries. The activities take shape based both on the needs and the feedback from participants, which means that each neighbourhood develops its own unique community art programme.
Veera Hanhiniemi and Piritta Suominen work as the area’s community artists. Art projects carried out specifically with young people combine techniques from street art, graffiti art and textile art, amongst others.
Installations are being designed and created in the Haihara area and throughout the neighbourhood. The activities are organised in collaboration with Icehearts, and the artists also run open workshops for young people.
In Hervanta, artists from the TIcAS Culture Cooperative are organising workshops in various art forms. Participants can try their hand at photography, creative writing and visual arts, for example, and no prior experience is required.
The workshops are held at Hervake, the Hervanta Leisure Centre. In November, the Hervanta Neighbourhood Concert will also take place, now in its third year.
Hilkka Hyttinen and Susanna Lyly work as community artists for Multsu-Peltsu. Their community art project invites local residents to get involved in bringing to light the stories and meaningful places that shape their neighbourhood.
During the autumn, activities will include the ‘Favourite Place’ photography exhibition and the ‘Light in the Darkness’ community art project, which will culminate in a family-friendly event in November.
BCEnsemble artists Milla and Petri Neuvonen are working on community art projects that make use of recycled materials. Key themes include creativity, working together and bringing residents’ own cultural dreams to life.
In the workshops, residents can take part in making art according to their own interests and abilities. One of the highlights of the autumn is the exhibition INTERESTED! Meitä kiinnostaa... – a collection of works by Year 7 pupils.
