Advocacy Objectives of the Visual Arts Sector for term 2027–2031

Visual arts organisations Frame Contemporary Art Finland, Artists’ Association of Finland, and Kuvasto have published joint advocacy objectives for the governmental term 2027–2031.

A vibrant visual arts scene generates a substantial positive impact. Visual art moves and attracts people: annually, nearly 5.3 million visits are made to visual arts venues such as galleries and art museums in Finland. Art has been studied extensively to promote mental and physical well-being.

Art export generates income, visibility, and networks for Finnish contemporary artists. International exhibitions also contribute to creating a memorable country image.

At the same time, the structures that enable artists to practice their profession and the development of the sector need reform. In Finland, visual artists have the lowest income of all artist groups. It is also worth investing in the international activities of Finnish contemporary art: the potential of art export has been recognized recently in both the Creative Economy Growth Strategy and the Cultural Policy Report.

The government program objectives for 2027–2031 have three themes:

1. Equal funding for the visual arts

The advocacy objectives for the visual arts emphasize a long-term cultural policy in which funding structures support the flourishing of the arts. Research shows that visual arts in Finland are underfunded and receive a smaller share of the state’s cultural budget than other art forms. Bringing the funding of visual arts to an equal level will significantly strengthen the accessibility of visual arts, employment in the field, and Finnish contemporary art’s international success.

2. Visual artists are entitled to compensation for their work and the use of their works

Although visual art has a large audience, artists do not necessarily receive any remuneration or compensation for their work. Therefore, the compensation and remuneration systems for visual artists need to be developed. Visual artists are entitled to compensation when their works are viewed or used. In addition, artists’ copyrights in digital environments must be strengthened.

3. Making Finnish art visible near and far

Finnish contemporary art attracts international interest, but the conditions for international activities and art exports have deteriorated in recent years. It is important to support the internationalisation of the creative industries and the export of contemporary art, such as the mobility of art professionals and international exhibition activities. This generates income, visibility, and networks for artists and strengthens Finland’s reputation abroad.

Stable conditions must be created for the visual arts field to operate both domestically and internationally. The objectives also emphasise securing the operating conditions of independent visual arts organizations. By exhibiting and selling art, they serve as an important channel between artists and audiences and buyers of the visual arts.