FUTURE PENDING
(Original release published on Uniarts Helsinki Student Unon web page 16.9.2026.)
Vapaan Taiteen Tila – an art space reservable for free by all Uniarts Helsinki degree students – has for thirteen years been one of the crown jewel of the collaboration between Uniarts Helsinki Student Union (TaiYo) and Uniarts Helsinki. The tightened economic situation of the space’s sole funder Uniarts Helsinki has led to the cost of the rent in the current space becoming too high. This means that Vapaan Taiteen Tila has to make changes in its operations after the year 2026.
During the contract period of 2024-2026 TaiYo Board, employees and Vapaan Taiteen Tila working group put together for Spring 2025 have been actively brainstorming and negotiating alternative models for funding that would enable Katri Vala Public Shelter to be kept as the home of Vapaan Taiteen Tila.
In September 2026 TaiYo and Uniarts Helsinki are still working on a solution for the situation. Moving out of the current space seems very likely, however, the dream of the operations continuing in another location after a small break doesn’t seem impossible. The reservation calendar for Vapaan taiteen tila is currently closed for new reservations from November onwards. That is to make sure that In case we have to move out from Katri Vala Shelter, there is enough time for that.
TaiYo will inform students about the changes in Vapaan Taiteen Tila operations as soon as the solution has been found. Until November, students still have the possibility to enjoy the free space as well as the free art programme put up by the fellow students. In October Vapaan Taiteen Tila will also host TaiYo’s anniversary party for the first time in TaiYo history. More info about the party will soon be published on TaiYo’s Instagram, web page and weekly newsletter.
Previous writing about Vapaan Taiteen Tila situation:
Spring 2026 release
https://taiyo.fi/en/2026/04/15/tiedote-vapaan-taiteen-tilan-tilanne/
TaiYo board member Elli Kujansuu writing about the meaning of Vapaan Taiteen Tila for art student in 2024
