Peer-led mentoring program
The peer-led mentoring program for visual artists has launched for the second time through collaboration among the operators of the Visual Art House. Nearly 100 artists from seven member organisations are involved. This page, designed for artist participants in the program gathers information and events in one place.
Welcome to the peer-led mentoring program
In the 2024 peer mentoring program, nearly 100 artists from seven different artist organizations are participating. This year, for the first time, small groups have been assembled not only based on individual artist organizations but also across organizational boundaries, in response to participant requests.
Participation in the peer mentoring program requires a commitment not only to regular small group work but also to attending the program’s joint meetings. All joint meetings in the program are bilingual (Finnish and English).
On this page, you will find updated information throughout the year on the peer mentoring program’s schedule, joint meetings, and supplementary materials related to the mentoring process. At the bottom of the page, you will also find organization-specific contacts who will guide participants through various stages of the peer mentoring program and are happy to answer any questions.
Please note that we follow safer space principles in our activities.
Safer spage GuidelinesBackround material for participants
The peer mentoring process is based on the sharing of skills, knowledge, and experiences within small groups, from artist to artist. We encourage participants to shape their small group activities to fit their own daily routines. Each group organizes its own activities, deciding, for example, which themes to discuss in meetings, and how often and in what manner to meet. In forming these small groups, we have aimed to consider shared preferences, such as meeting times and areas of interest.
We have prepared a background information package that includes ideas for, among other things, starting small group work, themes to discuss in the groups, and keeping a mentoring journal.
We welcome any suggestions on what other materials you might find helpful to support your work.
Program's mutual meetings
Closing meeting of year 2024 program participants
Friday, November 29th 2024, 3pm – 5 pm
Welcome to join us in hearing about and discussing the experiences from the 2024 peer mentoring program together with fellow artists. In this closing meeting, held remotely, we will gather thoughts from throughout the year and review feedback from participants on the peer mentoring program’s impact.
Please register for the closing meeting by filling out the registration form below. You will receive a Zoom participation link via email as an automatic response.
We also kindly ask you to complete the feedback survey for program participants by November 24, 2024.
The closing event will be held bilingually (Finnish and English).
Program
3.00 pm – Welcome words and an overview of the past year – Henna Harri, Association of Photographic Artists
The peer mentoring program for visual arts creators was organized in 2024 simultaneously across seven artist organizations. Nearly 100 artists have participated. For the first time, small groups were formed not only based on the artists’ organizations but also across organizational boundaries, based on the participants’ wishes. Henna Harri, the executive director of the Association of Photographic Artists recaps the past year and introduces the themes of the day.
3:15 pm – Organizer’s words – Nika Kiiskilä, Finnish Comics Society
The Finnish Comics Society is an organization for comic creators, readers, collectors, critics, translators, and researchers. Comic artist Nika Kiiskilä, who coordinated the peer mentoring program for the first time in the comics society, will share insights into organizing the program from the perspective of comic creators.
3.30 pm Alumni artists’s words – Mari Sydänmaanlakka, multidisciplinary artist
Multidisciplinary artist Mari Sydänmaanlakka will share her experiences of participating in this year’s peer mentoring program and reflect on how she will conclude her involvement in the program.
3:40 pm – Thoughts and feedback from participants
We gathered feedback and development ideas from participants in the 2023 program. What insights did they gain from the process based on feedback? Will the groups continue to meet in the coming year? Discussion will continue in smaller groups afer the break.
– 10 minutes break –
4:00 pm – Discussion in small groups and networking
4:30 PM – Thoughts arising from small groups and open discussion
4:55 PM – Closing words
Register to the meeting
Networking event: Artists' Meetup!
The joint event Artists’ Meetup! for artists and alumni was held on June 7, 2024 at the Theatre Museum in Helsinki. The event brought together 50 participants from across various artist organizations.
Kickoff meeting of 2024
The Peer-led Mentoring Program began on March 1, 2024 with a kickoff meeting for all participants. In the meeting, we introduced the program’s mission, principles, and the schedule for the coming year. We discussed expectations for the small group activities and shared tips on effective practices.
Contact Information
The Centre for Finnish Media Art / AV-Arkki ry
Director Hanna Maria Anttila
director@av-arkki.fi
Helsinki Artists’ Association
Chair person Satu Kalliokuusi
satu.kalliokuusi@helsingintaiteilijaseura.fi
Kettuki ry
Director Sirpa Taulu
sirpa.taulu@kettuki.fi
Artists’ Association MUU
Director Timo Soppela
director@muu.fi
Finnish Painters’ Union
Director Elisa Lientola
elisa.lientola@painters.fi
The Finnish Comics Society
Member of the board Nika Kiiskilä
manticorecat@gmail.com
Association of Photographic Artists
Director Henna Harri
henna.harri@hippolyte.fi