Artists’ Meetup! brought together participants from this year’s peer mentoring program and alumni from previous years.
The networking evening gathered nearly 50 participants from eight different artist organizations at the Theatre Museum in Helsinki’s Cable Factory on June 7, 2024.
During the event, organized as part of the peer mentoring program for visual arts professionals, participants got to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. The entirely positive feedback highlighted that similar networking events are unique opportunities for visual artists. There is a strong need for artists to connect with their peers across the boundaries of artist organizations.
“I think it would be great if this kind of event could be held regularly. – – Networking in general is often challenging for artists, and this event provides new motivation. It feels like many artists don’t feel part of a community, which impacts their careers.”
The event was also praised for its predefined safer space principles, which are applied to all Visual Art House events, including those held online.
The 2024 peer mentoring program includes 100 artists from seven different artist organizations: AV-Arkki, Helsinki Artists’ Association, Kettuki, Artists’ Association MUU, Finnish Painters’ Union, Finnish Comics Society, and Association of Photographic Artists. The peer mentoring program continues in the fall with self-directed small group meetings. The program will conclude with a final gathering for all participants on November 29, 2024.
The goal of the peer mentoring program, designed for visual artists, is to provide support in various aspects of artistry and to strengthen professional identity. The year-long mentoring process, offered as a free member service, is based on sharing skills, knowledge, and experiences in small groups, from artist to artist.
The peer mentoring program is part of Visual Art House’s network-wide service development effort, in which practices and service models that promote the field are further developed and established as a permanent part of the organization’s operations.
