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The Vision 2030 for Visual Arts Education and Pedagogy Is Now Published – Elina Merenmies from the Free Art School Contributed to the Process

The Vision 2030 for Visual Arts Education and Pedagogy, led by the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of the Arts Helsinki, has been completed and published.

Elina Merenmies, Principal of the Free Art School and painter, was a member of the project's core group.

The aim of the vision work was to build a shared understanding among key stakeholders in the field of visual arts education on the necessary developments, goals, and actions needed to achieve those goals. The year-long process culminated in the release of the Vision 2030 in mid-November. It outlines short-term actions, structural reforms to be implemented by 2030, and forward-looking directions to pursue during the current decade. Participants included visual artists, art educators, students, and professional organisations. Elina Merenmies considers the published vision a strong starting point but emphasises that much remains to be done: “It is important to continue the collaboration and strengthen the shared structures in the field.”

What is Vision 2030?

The aim is to strengthen the position, impact, and leadership of visual arts education and pedagogy both in Finland and internationally. Key goals include:

  • Visual arts and visual arts education must be accessible and available to everyone equally.

  • Participation in high-quality visual arts education, pedagogy, and artistic activities must be inclusive.

  • Visual arts education and pedagogy should be pedagogically strong and accessible.

  • Visual arts teaching and learning form the foundation of a sustainable creative economy and a thriving, democratic society.

Read more about the project: Vision 2030 – University of the Arts Helsinki